COP26 youth conference

Scotland will host the 16th Conference of Youth (COY16), the UN’s official youth event for COP26.

The Conference of Youth is an essential part of the COP calendar, helping to prepare young people for their participation in COP. It gives young people a voice in the climate negotiations, while providing delegates from over 140 countries the chance to meet, share experiences and build skills.

The conference will result in the Statement of Youth, which is presented on behalf of young people at every COP, setting out their hopes and expectations for the climate negotiations.

Five young people from Scotland will be selected to represent the country as delegates and contribute to the Statement.

This event, which runs from 28-31 October in Glasgow, will be funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by YOUNGO – the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The First Minister said:

“Young people have been among the strongest voices calling for urgent global action to address climate change. They have been an inspiration and I am proud that we are playing a role in giving them a platform at the heart of COP26 in Glasgow.

“The Conference of Youth will represent young people from 140 countries around the world, including here in Scotland. It is designed by young people, for young people, so they can set out their asks of world leaders ahead of the climate negotiations.

“Through this support we are ensuring that Scotland will play its part in securing an ambitious and deliverable global deal at COP26.

“I look forward to welcoming COY16 to Glasgow and engaging with them on our shared endeavour to tackle the climate crisis, with young people at the heart of our commitment to a just transition.”

Heeta Lakhani, YOUNGO Focal Point (Global South) and Marie-Claire Graf YOUNGO Focal Point (Global North) said:

"The support of the Scottish Government is proof of legitimate youth inclusion and participatory governance in the lead up to the 26th UN Climate Conference. The official UN Climate Change Youth Constituency, YOUNGO, and the young climate advocates globally welcome this partnership not only to deliver COY16 and our presence in COP, but also as a sign that we are heard and involved.

"The commitment and backing of the Scottish Government will surely be part of the climate movement's history. In these challenging times, it is important that we work on shared goals together. Let’s unify for change!"

Background

The Scottish Government has provided £300,000 of funding to deliver the event and their involvement during COP26.