About

Our Story

What is LCOY Somalia?

The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is an annual national youth climate conference organised under the YOUNGO framework — the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC. LCOYs are held in countries around the world to prepare youth delegates for global climate negotiations at COP.

LCOY Somalia was first held in 2024 and has grown into one of the most inclusive and impactful youth climate initiatives in the Horn of Africa. In 2025 the conference engaged over 500 young people across four regions, produced two national youth policy papers, and delivered the Somali National Youth Statement to COP30.

LCOY Somalia 2026 is organised by PUSAN, Green Media Initiative and APCRD—three youth-led organisations based in Somalia—and will be held in August 2026.

Somalia's Climate Reality

Why LCOY Somalia Matters

Somalia is recognised by the United Nations as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. Young people — who make up over 70% of the population — bear the heaviest burden yet remain largely excluded from decision-making.

🌊 2.9M+ Displaced

Over 2.9 million Somalis are displaced due to climate-driven droughts, floods and cyclones.

🌾 6.6M Food Insecure

6.6 million people face acute food insecurity linked to climate shocks that destroy crops, livestock and water sources.

📉 30% Rainfall Decline

Climate projections show rainfall will decline by 20–30% by 2050, intensifying competition over water and grazing land.

👤 70% Youth Population

Young people make up over 70% of Somalia's population yet remain underrepresented in climate policy and governance.

Our Mission & Activities

What We Do

🎤 Amplify Youth Voices

We create inclusive platforms where young Somalis from all regions and backgrounds share their climate experiences, priorities and solutions — ensuring their voices shape national and international policy.

📋 Develop Youth Policy Papers

We facilitate evidence-based youth policy documents including the Somali National Youth Climate Statement and the Youth Agri-Food Systems Paper — official contributions to COP negotiations.

🤝 Build Strategic Partnerships

We connect youth-led organisations with government ministries, UN agencies and international partners to mobilise technical support, funding and mentorship for young climate leaders.

🌍 Link Local to Global

We prepare Somali youth delegates to participate in YOUNGO, COY, RCOY and COP — ensuring Somalia's climate realities are represented in global negotiations.

♿ Champion Inclusion

We centre diversity — with equal gender representation, active Deaf community participation, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and outreach to youth in conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable communities.

🌱 Build Climate Capacity

We run capacity-building webinars, workshops and panel discussions on climate finance, adaptation, food systems, water security and climate justice — equipping youth with the knowledge to lead.

Our Journey

LCOY Somalia — From 2024 to 2026

2024

LCOY Somalia 2024 Launched

The first-ever LCOY Somalia was organised by Abdirabi Mohamed as organiser and partnership lead — establishing Somalia’s national youth climate conference under YOUNGO.

2025

LCOY Somalia 2025 — National Scale

500+ youth engaged across Baidoa, Jowhar, Garowe and Mogadishu. Two national policy papers produced. National Youth Climate Statement delivered to COP30.

2025

COP29 & COP30 Representation

Somali youth delegates attended bothCOP29 in Azerbaijan and COP30 in Brazil, raising Somalia’s climate priorities on the international stage.

2026

LCOY Somalia 2026 — Mogadishu / Garowe

Organised by PUSAN, Green Media Initiative and APCRD. Expanding to new regions, deepening disability inclusion, and connecting more Somali youth to global climate platforms.

Organising Organisations

The Three Co-Organising Organisations

PUSAN

Puntland Sustainable Agri-Livestock Network

Based in Garowe, Puntland. Delivered 15+ climate resilience projects and worked directly with 2,000+ farmers and pastoralists across Puntland on sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation. Has mobilised 900+ youth volunteers across the region.

Green Media Initiative

Somalia's First Green Media Hub

GMI is Somalia’s first organisation dedicated to environmental journalism, climate communication and youth advocacy through media. Has trained 300+ journalists on climate reporting and produces podcasts, documentaries and digital content reaching youth across the Horn of Africa.

APCRD

Agency for Peace and Climate Resilient Development

APCRD works at the intersection of climate change, peace and youth empowerment with a focus on climate-displaced communities and migrants. Brings deep expertise in climate justice, gender inclusion and peacebuilding to LCOY Somalia 2026.