DILI, 09 november 2024 (TATOLI) – The Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM) Timor-Leste proudly hosted the 2nd Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Timor-Leste 2024 on climate change, bringing together young people to build skills, deepen their knowledge, and develop the National Youth Statement on Climate. This statement has been incorporated into the Global Youth Statement (GYS) presented at COY19, held from 7th to 9th November in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Each year, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) hosts the Conference of Parties (COP), where crucial climate agreements are negotiated. Leading up to COP, YOUNGO organizes the Conference of Youth (COY), an international gathering that formulates the GYS, a document that reflects young people’s perspectives and priorities on climate action. National LCOYs are held in over 70 countries, providing youth a platform to discuss regional climate challenges and propose actionable solutions. These conferences play a critical role in bringing youth perspectives to the global stage at COY and COP.
This year, Timor-Leste’s LCOY 2024 offered an invaluable platform for young individuals to connect, gain skills, and engage in discussions on local climate impacts. Participants received training on climate negotiations, including an immersive climate simulation exercise that allowed delegates to experience the complexities of negotiating international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, highlighting the critical risks posed by climate change. The event concluded with the drafting of Timor-Leste’s National Youth Statement on Climate, adding Timorese youth voices to global climate advocacy at COP29.
The LCOY Timor-Leste journey began with a pre-LCOY training focused on capacity building for 30 delegates, followed by a fully immersive 3-day event held at UNIO, Maloa. The conference welcomed over 100 participants, including youth delegates, volunteers, youth groups, partners, and VIPs. Key figures in attendance included Mr. Adão Barbosa, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador of Climate Change; Monsignor Marco Sprizzi, Ambassador of the Holy See; Mr. Thomas Wooden, First Secretary for Rural Development at the Australian Embassy; Mr. Natalino Guterres from The Asia Foundation; Mr. Raimundo Mau, Director General of Forestry, Coffee, and Industrial Plants; and youth representative Mr. Kay Olo. Each expressed their commitment to supporting Timorese youth in climate initiatives. The agenda included interactive workshops, climate negotiation simulations, and impactful discussions on pressing climate issues affecting the region.
“We are proud to host this platform, empowering our fellow youth with the knowledge and skills essential for climate advocacy. Timor-Leste’s vulnerability to climate change calls for urgent action, and our youth are at the forefront of this movement,” Dircia Belo, Founder of the Laudato Si’ Movement Timor-Leste said in a statement.
After the conference, delegates and volunteers joined Underwater Cinema (UC) for a beach clean-up and snorkeling activity at Cristo Rei Beach, further emphasizing environmental stewardship.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
