On August 22 and 23, Maputo hosted the second edition of the Local Conference of Children and Youth on Climate Change (LCOY-Mozambique).

Organized by the Youth Platform for Climate Action (YCAC-MOZ) and co-organized by partners such as AEFUM, Repensar Environmental Education Cooperative, ECOP Mozambique and Aseder, the event was attended by more than 150 young people from all the country's provinces, who came together to debate urgent climate change issues and propose concrete solutions.

The opening ceremony was attended by the National Director for Climate Change, Jadwiga Massinga, representing the Government of Mozambique, and the Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy, Christine de Barros Said. Both stressed the importance of involving the younger generations in the fight against climate change and reinforced their institutions' commitment to supporting young people on this journey.

"The driving force of progress is in the hands of young people, who bring with them innovative ideas and the will to make things happen," said Jadwiga Massinga, underlining the fundamental role of the new generations in building a sustainable future.

"The impacts of climate change mainly affect our children and young people, and it is urgent that we all work together to mitigate these effects and protect future generations."

Throughout the two-day conference, participants explored central themes such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Carbon Markets, Human Rights, Energy Transition, Water, Health and Biodiversity. These themes were addressed in various interactive panel discussions, allowing young people to gain an in-depth understanding of the climate issues affecting Mozambique and the world.

The representative of Child Climate Defenders, Flávia Nicole, stressed the importance of "the voices of Mozambican young people and children being heard and valued in the fight against climate change, so that we can build a green and inclusive future for all".

Flávia also stressed that protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility, not just that of government institutions or international organizations.

Shana Mausse, representing the partners present, recalled that "climate change has no passport; it affects us all, regardless of our geographical location. That's why the role of young Mozambicans in this global fight is so crucial."

The event also celebrated culture and art as tools for raising awareness. The play "Plasticidade", presented by Companhia de Artes A Palhota, and the songs "Mãe Natureza" and "Verde Maria" by MC Chamboco, as well as "Xlaíssa Bazaruto" by Juliana de Sousa, inspired those present.

In addition, under the guidance of Mozambican painter Coana, the young people created works of art depicting climate challenges and solutions.

The highlight of the conference was the ratification of the Children and Youth Declaration on Climate Change, a manifesto that represents the aspirations, concerns and commitments of Mozambican youth in the fight against climate change.

This document will be shared with various entities, both public and private, and will serve as a basis for future climate mitigation and adaptation actions in the country.

With the ratification of this declaration, the conference reaffirmed the commitment of young people in Mozambique to play an active role in climate action, contributing to sustainable solutions at national and international level.

The Local Conference of Children and Youth on Climate Change (LCOY-MOZ) is a global initiative promoted by YOUNGO, the youth arm of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its main objective is to provide a space for young climate leaders to discuss, learn and contribute to global climate action, with a focus on local realities.

The event was supported by UNICEF Mozambique, Save the Children, GIZ, Tearfund, the German Embassy, the Netherlands Embassy and Enabel.