In a landmark event held on October 7, 2023, at the picturesque Seme Beach Hotel in Limbe, the WEESDev Foundation joined forces with a coalition of influential NGOs, including Think Green, LESLEY Foundation, VoNaT, African Forest, Greening Forward, Eco-Capital, and 16 other organizations from the South West region of Cameroon. Together, they embarked on a mission to bring the activities of the first-ever Local Conference of Youths, Cameroon (LCOY), to fruition.
This collaborative effort stems from a commitment to achieving the objectives set forth by the YOUNGO Climate Conference in Yaounde, with an eye towards the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP 28) scheduled to take place in Dubai in November 2023.
At the heart of the initiative is a recognition of the vital role that the voices of Cameroonian youths play in shaping smart climate resolutions. The participating organizations have united to engage a select group of youths in climate-smart actions, fostering inclusivity, resilience, and nature-based responses.
The conference focused on the crucial interplay between policy effectiveness and government action in supporting youths as drivers of change. Deliberations also explored the inclusion and prioritization of marginalized communities in development decisions. The urgency of taking action and the pivotal role of youths in steering transformative change were key themes addressed during the conference.
The event attracted significant representation from government officials, marking it as a resounding success. As the voices of Cameroonian youths continue to gain prominence in climate discourse, this collaborative effort stands as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the imperative for inclusive, resilient, and nature-based responses to address the challenges posed by climate change.
