300 Djiboutian youth gathered for capacity strengthening in Climate Action

The Movement of United Youth for Impact (MJUI), in collaboration with the Ministry, is proud to announce that it has been officially selected and accredited by YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, to host and organise the Local Youth Conference (LCOY 2026) in Djibouti. This forum, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Culture and the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, will bring together 300 young delegates under a powerful unifying slogan: “Our Climate, Our Mobility, Our Jobs.”

The main objective is to mobilise, train and organise the eco-citizen engagement of 300 young Djiboutians from all regions of the country around the issues of climate justice, human mobility and the green economy, whilst promoting the development of youth-led recommendations to influence national, regional and international processes to combat climate change.

During two days, the delegates engaged in dynamic discussions and cooperative activities aimed at fostering innovative solutions tailored to the local context, particularly those that an stimulate green job creation for young people in  Djibouti.

A significant outcome of the conference was the formal adoption of the Djiboutian Youth Declaration on Climate Change. This declaration, crafted collaboratively by the young delegates throughout the event, was presented to the authorities, marking a pivotal moment for youth engagement in national climate policy.

The methodology of the conference emphasised inclusivity and co-creation. A series of thematic panels facilitated presentations from experts, senior ministry officials, and key development stakeholders, followed by open debates that encouraged active participation from the delegates. This collaborative approach allowed for a rich exchange of ideas and best practices.

One of the highlights of the conference was the World Café format workshops, which involved working in regional and thematic groups. These workshops aimed to develop actionable recommendations that informed the Youth Declaration, ensuring that the voices of diverse young nationals were considered in the outcomes.

On the second day, immersive training sessions provided capacity-building modules that focused on international climate advocacy within YOUNGO, as well as strategies for developing environmentally responsible projects. This training is crucial in equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to advocate effectively for climate issues.

Additionally, the conference featured a Green Solutions exhibition area, showcasing innovative initiatives led by Djiboutian youth in the fields of the circular economy, climate adaptation, and green entrepreneurship. This platform not only highlighted the creativity and determination of the young leaders but also served to inspire others to engage in sustainable practices.

Overall, LCOY Djibouti 2026 emerged as a key forum for fostering youth-led solutions to climate challenges, enhancing communication and partnership channels between the youth civil society network (MJUI) and key ministries, and laying the groundwork for a sustainable and resilient future in Djibouti. The outcomes of this conference will surely resonate beyond its conclusion, driving momentum for climate action and youth engagement in the region.