The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Pakistan 2024 emerged as a powerful, youth-driven movement for climate advocacy, amplifying the voices of passionate young changemakers across the country. Endorsed by YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), LCOY Pakistan served as a preparatory platform for COP29, equipping youth with the knowledge, tools, and networks to influence climate policy on both national and global stages.
In 2024, LCOY Pakistan expanded its grassroots reach by organizing eight conferences across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. These provincial and territorial events provided localized platforms for youth to deliberate on region-specific climate challenges and co-create community-centered solutions. Each event featured expert-led panel discussions, interactive workshops, and innovative side activities designed to build the leadership and advocacy capacity of young participants.
A key strategic partner that elevated this dynamic initiative was Taqalum , a platform for education, creative expression, innovation, and communication dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focused on climate narratives, creative expression, and digital advocacy, Taqalum infused the LCOY experience with a much-needed narrative dimension. By merging creative expression, education, and innovation, Taqalum is bridging the communication gap in climate discourse—empowering youth to articulate their climate concerns, hopes, and solutions through art, fiction, journalism, and storytelling.
At the helm of this strategic contribution was Ms. Rida Ashraf, who led the branding, communications, and advocacy efforts for LCOY Pakistan 2024. Through cohesive visual storytelling, high-impact social media campaigns, and engaging IEC (Information, Education, Communication) content, she significantly boosted the visibility and outreach of the entire LCOY movement. Ms. Ashraf also played an active role in capacity building, conducting dedicated sessions on climate communication and guiding youth participants on how to turn their personal climate stories into strategic advocacy tools.
Simultaneously, Ms. Arooj Khan led the Provincial LCOY in Balochistan, a region often left out of mainstream climate dialogues. Her leadership extended far beyond event logistics—she was deeply involved in the selection, mentorship, and training of youth representatives from all provinces, ensuring inclusivity and regional representation across the LCOY ecosystem. Her work helped spotlight Balochistan’s unique climate challenges while empowering local youth with the skills and confidence to participate in national and global climate discussions.
Throughout the conference series, Taqalum played a pivotal role in curating and facilitating storytelling-based workshops, climate fiction circles, and communication labs that helped participants humanize complex climate topics. From sessions on climate journalism to digital campaigns and the power of fiction in environmental narratives, Taqalum created safe spaces for young voices to be heard and felt. These sessions were not just educational—they were transformational.
Taqalum also helped bring together a range of stakeholders from the creative, academic, and policy sectors to co-develop climate narratives that resonate with local communities. By focusing on storytelling as a vehicle for change, Taqalum ensured the amplification of youth voices from marginalized areas and underrepresented communities. Its contribution was not limited to workshops—it shaped the very way LCOY communicated its mission and outcomes.
As youth from across Pakistan participated in these regional events, they engaged in powerful dialogues with policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders, discussing key themes such as circular economy, gender-responsive climate policies, climate justice, and youth inclusion. Many walked away not only inspired but also equipped to launch green innovations, advocate for inclusive climate policies, and lead community projects that address carbon emissions and sustainability.
The National LCOY Pakistan 2024 served as the culmination of these regional efforts. Insights from all six conferences were consolidated into a comprehensive National Youth Statement, which will be presented at COP29. This document reflects the unified voice of Pakistani youth and their vision for a sustainable future.
By partnering with platforms like Taqalum and empowering regional leaders like Ms. Rida Ashraf and Ms. Arooj Khan, LCOY Pakistan 2024 demonstrated that climate activism is as much about science and policy as it is about stories, emotions, and the lived experiences of young people. Together, LCOY and its partners are fostering a generation of climate-conscious leaders who are not just ready to speak—but ready to act.
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