Australian Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) 2026: Young Australians Invited to Shape Global Climate Action Ahead of COP31 Türkiye

Young Australians passionate about climate action now have an exciting opportunity to make their voices heard on one of the world’s most urgent issues. Applications and expressions of interest are now open for the Australian Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) 2026, a youth-led national climate initiative that brings together emerging climate leaders, advocates, students, and changemakers from across the country.

Organised by Australian Youth For International Climate Engagement Incorporated (AYFICE) and UN Youth Australia, and supported by UNICEF Australia, the 2026 Australian LCOY aims to empower young people aged 18 to 30 to actively contribute to national and global climate discussions ahead of COP31 Türkiye.

The initiative creates a platform where youth can network, discuss climate-related challenges, exchange innovative ideas, and help shape the National Children and Youth Statement, which contributes directly to the Global Youth Climate Statement presented to world leaders during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

What is the Australian Local Conference of Youth (LCOY)?

The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is a youth-focused climate conference initiative held in countries around the world under the umbrella of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

LCOY serves as a platform for children and young people to:

• Discuss pressing climate change issues
• Share personal experiences and community challenges
• Build networks with other climate-conscious youth
• Develop policy recommendations and climate solutions
• Influence national and international climate negotiations

The Australian edition of LCOY is entirely youth-led. Young people are involved in every aspect of the conference process, including:

• Consultation planning
• Facilitation and moderation
• Event logistics
• Community engagement
• Consolidation of recommendations
• Statement drafting and policy writing

This ensures that the perspectives presented at international climate negotiations genuinely reflect the concerns and aspirations of Australian youth.

Why LCOY 2026 Matters

COP31 comes at a critical moment in the global climate crisis. With Australia playing a significant leadership role in international climate negotiations, youth participation has become more important than ever.

LCOY 2026 aims to strengthen youth engagement by creating spaces where young Australians can meaningfully contribute to climate policy conversations and influence decision-makers at both national and global levels.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

1. Connect with like-minded young climate advocates
2. Participate in meaningful climate discussions
3. Share lived experiences and local environmental concerns
4. Contribute ideas for climate adaptation and mitigation
5. Help shape the Global Youth Climate Statement
6. Gain exposure to international climate diplomacy processes
7. Develop leadership and advocacy skills
8. Join a growing network of youth climate leaders across Australia

Australian LCOY 2026 Consultation Dates

Several consultations are already scheduled across Australia. Find out the full details from HERE

Who Can Apply?

The Australian LCOY 2026 consultations are open to:

• Young Australians aged 18–30
• Individuals passionate about climate action
• Students, activists, advocates, researchers, and emerging leaders
• Young people interested in sustainability, environmental justice, policy, and international cooperation

Applicants do not necessarily need prior experience in climate advocacy. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to contribute to climate discussions are strongly encouraged.

What Participants Will Gain

Young people who participate in LCOY 2026 can expect numerous personal and professional development opportunities, including:

Networking Opportunities

Participants will meet young leaders, activists, policymakers, and climate advocates from different backgrounds and regions across Australia.

Leadership Development

LCOY provides a practical environment for participants to strengthen leadership, public speaking, collaboration, and advocacy skills.

Global Climate Engagement

Contributions from Australian consultations will feed into the Global Youth Climate Statement presented during COP31 Türkiye, giving participants a chance to influence global climate discussions.

Community Impact

Participants will gain tools and knowledge to support climate action initiatives within their local communities.

Exposure to International Processes

Attendees will learn more about UN climate negotiations, international environmental governance, and youth participation mechanisms within the UNFCCC framework.

The Role of UNICEF Australia and Partner Organisations

The 2026 Australian LCOY is supported by several major youth and international organisations committed to climate action and youth empowerment.

UNICEF Australia

UNICEF Australia supports initiatives that amplify youth voices and ensure children and young people are included in policy and decision-making processes related to climate change.

Australian Youth For International Climate Engagement (AYFICE)

AYFICE focuses on strengthening Australian youth engagement in international climate diplomacy and sustainability discussions.

UN Youth Australia

UN Youth Australia empowers young Australians through leadership programs, policy engagement, and global citizenship initiatives.

Together, these organisations are helping create inclusive opportunities for young Australians to participate in meaningful climate dialogue and policy development.

Previous Australian LCOY Initiatives

Australian LCOY 2025

In 2025, youth climate leaders conducted 29 consultations across Australia and two online surveys, resulting in the development of a National Children and Youth Statement.

Australian LCOY 2024

The 2024 edition included seven face-to-face consultations nationwide, supported by UNICEF Australia, AYFICE, and Plan International Australia.

Australian LCOY 2023

The 2023 consultations were conducted in partnership with UNICEF Australia and the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), involving youth-led climate conversations across five locations.

These previous editions demonstrate the growing momentum of youth climate engagement in Australia and the increasing recognition of youth contributions to climate policymaking.

 

Final Thoughts

Climate change remains one of the defining challenges of our generation, and youth voices are becoming increasingly essential in shaping sustainable solutions. The Australian Local Conference of Youth 2026 provides a powerful opportunity for young Australians to contribute directly to national and international climate discussions while building networks, leadership skills, and real-world advocacy experience.

For young people passionate about creating a more sustainable future, LCOY 2026 represents more than just a conference — it is a platform to influence policy, inspire communities, and help shape the future of global climate action.

Learn More & Apply

express their interest through the official registration process.

Young Australians interested in participating in LCOY 2026 can click HERE to learn more and apply.

Explore more opportunities on OFY HERE.