Applications and expressions of interest are open for the Australian Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) 2026, a youth-led climate engagement initiative supported by UNICEF Australia and organised by the Australian Youth For International Climate Engagement (AYFICE) and UN Youth Australia.
The LCOY brings together young people across Australia to discuss climate change, share experiences, develop youth-driven climate priorities, and contribute to the development of youth climate policy messages that will feed into global climate discussions ahead of COP31 in Türkiye.
About the Australian LCOY 2026
A Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is a nationally focused youth climate forum recognised under YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
LCOYs provide young people with a platform to discuss climate challenges, develop solutions, and ensure youth perspectives are represented in international climate processes. National discussions from LCOYs contribute to the wider Global Youth Climate Statement, which represents youth priorities in global climate negotiations.
The Australian LCOY 2026 aims to:
- Create spaces for young people to discuss climate issues affecting their communities.
- Gather youth perspectives on climate action priorities.
- Strengthen youth participation in climate decision-making.
- Connect young climate leaders across Australia.
- Contribute youth perspectives ahead of COP31 Türkiye.
Who Can Participate?
The opportunity is open to:
- Young people passionate about climate action.
- Youth climate advocates.
- Students and young professionals.
- Environmental and sustainability leaders.
- Community organisers.
- Young people interested in influencing climate discussions.
Participants should have an interest in:
- Climate change
- Sustainability
- Environmental protection
- Climate justice
- Community resilience
- Youth advocacy
The initiative welcomes young people with diverse experiences, including those who are new to climate activism.
Key Discussion Areas
Participants will explore issues including:
- Climate change impacts on young people
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Renewable energy transition
- Biodiversity protection
- Environmental justice
- Sustainable development
- Youth participation in climate governance
- Local solutions to global climate challenges
Benefits
Participants will have the opportunity to:
✅ Contribute ideas to Australia’s youth climate agenda
✅ Engage with other young climate leaders across the country
✅ Strengthen climate advocacy and leadership skills
✅ Share lived experiences and community perspectives
✅ Contribute to youth climate statements connected to global climate processes
✅ Build networks with young people working on sustainability and climate action
Connection to COP31
The Australian LCOY 2026 will help ensure young people’s perspectives contribute to global climate discussions ahead of COP31, which will take place in Türkiye.
Through LCOY processes, youth voices are collected and channelled into broader international youth climate advocacy through YOUNGO and the Global Youth Climate Statement.
Application Deadline
Consultation participation dates and application timelines vary depending on the activity and location.
Young people interested in participating are encouraged to monitor official updates from UNICEF Australia, AYFICE, and UN Youth Australia.
Why Apply?
The climate decisions made today will shape the future that young people inherit. The Australian LCOY provides a platform for young people to move beyond being observers and actively contribute ideas, experiences, and solutions to climate discussions at national and global levels.
By participating, young people can help ensure that climate policies reflect the realities, priorities, and aspirations of future generations.
