Baku: The Second Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Azerbaijan 2026) commenced in Baku on September 11, drawing young climate leaders from across Azerbaijan, representatives of government institutions and international organizations, and leading experts from the country.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event was organized at the initiative of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) provides a platform for youth engagement in climate policymaking, the exchange of innovative ideas, and contributions to the global climate agenda. LCOYs are held annually in more than 50 countries, playing a key role in integrating national youth perspectives into global climate policy processes.
The EcoSphere Environmental-Social Center, focusing on sustainable development, environmental education, and youth involvement in environmental decision-making, served as the main organizer of LCOY Azerbaijan 2026. For the second consecutive year, the organization has been chosen by YOUNGO's LCOY Working Group to organize the conference in Azerbaijan.
The conference receives support from the FAO Representation in Azerbaijan, academic partners ADA University and Baku State University, and the Regional Development Public Association, which aids in engaging young people from various regions in the conference.
The first day of the conference, including the opening ceremony, was held at ADA University. Speakers at the event included ADA University Vice-Rector and MP Fariz Ismayilzade, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues and President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 and MP Nigar Arpadarai, Baku State University Vice-Rector Shahin Panahov, Deputy FAO Representative in Azerbaijan Bariz Mehdiyev, and others. They emphasized the leadership role of young people in addressing climate change and the significance of their participation in decision-making processes.
The official ceremony concluded with an online video message from Professor Matteo Vittuari, Dean of ADA University's School of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Following the opening ceremony, participants attended a session on LCOY, YOUNGO, and the UNFCCC, learning about their roles and the National Youth Statement's path to COP31. An interactive 'Climate Map' activity allowed young people to highlight key climate concerns in their regions.
The first part of the 'Sustainable Azerbaijan: Infrastructure and Food Systems' plenary featured representatives from Baku White City, the Special Representative's Office in Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan districts, as well as EcoSphere. The second part of the plenary session addressed the impacts of climate change on Azerbaijan's agriculture, climate-smart farming, food standards, food security, and sustainable consumption.
The day also included two parallel sessions and concluded with an introductory session on the National Youth Statement, during which participants identified priority topics through electronic voting. The conference is set to continue in the Guba district on September 12.