Background

The Global Conference of Children & Youth (COY) is the flagship gathering of YOUNGO, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people in shaping international climate policy within the UNFCCC framework. Its mission is to equip children and youth with the tools, knowledge, and influence to actively contribute to intergovernmental climate negotiations.

The conference is built around four core pillars:

• Policy Advocacy – drafting and presenting youth perspectives for climate negotiations.

• Capacity Development – enhancing knowledge and understanding of climate governance.

• Practical Skills Training – delivering workshops to strengthen advocacy and leadership abilities.

• Cultural Exchange – fostering mutual understanding and solidarity among participants from diverse backgrounds.

In 2025, the 20th edition of COY will be hosted in Brazil, just days before the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30). Recognized as the largest youth-focused event connected to UN climate processes, COY provides a vital platform for preparing young people to engage effectively at COP. It will also consolidate youth inputs from around the world into the Global Youth Statement on Climate Justice, which directly informs the official climate negotiations.

Please note: volunteering for COY20 does not guarantee physical attendance at the conference.