Building Youth Capacity for Climate Action: Road to COP29

On 30 August, the event titled “Building Youth Capacity for Climate Action: Road to COP29” was successfully launched, bringing together youth representatives to strengthen their capacity for meaningful engagement in climate action and global climate dialogue in the lead-up to COP29.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony featuring introductory remarks by Ms. Leyla Hasanova, Chairperson of the NAM Youth Organization and Youth Climate Champion for COP29. In her address, Ms. Hasanova highlighted the role of NAMYO as an inclusive platform empowering youth to actively contribute to climate-related decision-making processes at national, regional, and global levels.

The program featured a series of capacity-building training sessions focused on key thematic areas of climate action. Sessions addressed the importance of inclusivity in climate policies, sustainable development, gender equality, and effective water resource management, emphasizing the interconnected nature of climate challenges and solutions. Participants also visited the Situation Center of the National Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, where they were introduced to early warning systems and tools used to monitor weather patterns and climate-related risks.

As part of the program, a youth dialogue was held at ADA University, providing a platform for young people to exchange ideas and propose solutions ahead of the Summit of the Future, reinforcing the role of youth leadership in shaping sustainable and resilient futures.

The final day of the event took place in the Lankaran region, where participants engaged in educational and cultural activities, including visits to Hirkan National Park, the Khanbulan Reservoir, and local tea plantations. These experiences offered participants insights into biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and local environmental practices, while fostering peer connection and cultural exchange.

The event concluded with a gala dinner, marking the successful completion of the program and reinforcing the commitment of NAMYO and its National Chapter Representatives to advancing youth-led climate action on the road to COP29.