Young people should not simply be consulted – they must have an active role in shaping climate policies and decisions that affect their future. This was the central message of the two-day Local Conference of Youth– LCOY2026, held at Europe House Skopje.
Organised by the youth organisation Kolektiv Z, LCOY2026 brought together more than 50 young people – students, activists and emerging leaders – alongside experts and representatives of institutions and civil society. Their shared goal was to explore ways to ensure meaningful, continuous and structured youth participation in climate policy decision-making.
Through discussions, presentations and exchanges with representatives of the Delegation of the European Union, UNDP, UNICEF, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, and the organisation Eco-svest, participants discussed current climate challenges and the need to involve young people in shaping solutions. Particular attention was given to establishing mechanisms that would ensure youth participation goes beyond occasional contributions and becomes an integral part of decision-making processes.
The conference concluded with a powerful Youth Statement, expressing the determination, expectations and demands of a generation refusing to have its voice pushed to the margins:
“Our future is not up for negotiation. Our country is not for sale. Our voices will continue to organise, resist and rebuild the just society that we and future generations deserve.”
We believe that young people’s active participation in shaping climate policies is more than essential, as it is the younger generations who will live with the consequences of today’s decisions. Their perspectives, ideas and demands must be heard and reflected in the solutions that will help create a more sustainable future.
LCOY2026 is part of an international network of youth climate conferences held in different countries under the auspices of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These conferences connect young activists and students with scientific, government and business leaders, giving them opportunities to expand their knowledge and strengthen their capacities, and prepare national youth declarations. Their messages and recommendations are then brought into broader international climate processes and negotiations, including the global UN Climate Change Conference (COP).
