The fourth edition of the LCOY conference was attended by HRH. Princess Dana Firas President of the Petra National Trust and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, H.E. Minister of Youth Eng. Yazan Al-Shdaifat, H.E. Minister of Environment Dr. Muawiyah Radaideh, UNICEF Representative to Jordan Philippe Duamelle, Generations For Peace (GFP) CEO Lama Hattab, President of Al Hussein Technical University Dr. Ismail Al-Hunaiti, Country Director of KOICA Jordan Ms. Soyoung Kim, and and Ms. Nadia Al Saeed, Chief Executive Officer of Bank al Etihad.
HRH Princess Dana Firas led a workshop on the intersection of environment and heritage, and stated, “We are pleased to see youth and partners engaging in such conferences, which serve as vital platforms to highlight the close connection between cultural heritage and climate change. It is essential to inspire young people to be part of these efforts, as raising awareness about climate change and preserving our heritage is a shared responsibility that protects our cultural identity and promotes environmental sustainability.”
The conference featured a panel discussion with the Ministers of Environment and Youth and the UNICEF Representative in Jordan, focusing on the role of youth in climate policies and sustainable development. Dr. Radaideh highlighted Jordan’s significant efforts to enhance environmental performance and achieve sustainability, despite growing environmental challenges. These initiatives underscore the country’s strong commitment to climate policies that improve quality of life, protect the environment, and strengthen resilience against climate change. He emphasized that Jordanian youth play a crucial role in these efforts, actively contributing to environmental initiatives and promoting climate awareness. Supporting youth participation in climate-related conferences, both locally and regionally—such as the Local and Regional Conferences of Youth (LCOY & RCOY) and the annual Conference of Parties (COP)—is essential for building their environmental awareness and capacity. Through these platforms, young people not only learn the language of climate policy but also gain valuable insights into effective policy formulation. Such conferences provide vital opportunities for exchanging ideas and experiences, ultimately empowering youth to engage meaningfully and knowledgeably in environmental discussions.
For his part, Eng. Al-Shdaifat emphasized the importance of environmental issues within the Ministry's youth-focused initiatives, noting various programmes that address climate change, green economy, food security, and green initiatives, as well as entrepreneurial environmental forums. In response to a question on the role of youth centers in advancing climate action, he outlined the Ministry's strategy to enhance the role of youth centers by expanding the inclusiveness of their programmes and establishing business incubators across all governorates to support youth-led climate initiatives. He added that young people today are more capable of leveraging technology to offer innovative solutions to address the impacts of climate change, while also enhancing environmental awareness through peer education. Al-Shdaifat praised national and youth efforts in climate action and the outstanding youth participation in international forums, most recently at COP28.
UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle, declared, "In Jordan, youth are a driving force that is eager to contribute to the sustainable development of the country. Led by young people from across the Kingdom, the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) 2024 is an illustration of how they can contribute to developing sustainable climate change solutions. Guided by LCOY outcomes, young climate leaders will be part of the official delegation representing Jordan in global discussions at the COP29 which will take place in Azerbaijan in November this year.” 
During a session on the role of NGOs in supporting climate action, Generations for Peace (GFP) CEO Lama Hattab reaffirmed GFP’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness about climate change and environmental issues among youth. She said: “We operate within a comprehensive, participatory approach, based on our belief that reducing emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change in Jordan require a national strategy that includes all stakeholders: the government, private sector, civil society organisations, and international bodies. At GFP, we have established partnerships with the public and private sectors, as well as with non-governmental organisations and academic institutions, reflecting our dedication to making a meaningful impact on this issue at both national and global levels.” She added: “For the fourth consecutive year, we are proud to host the Local Conference Of Youth (LCOY), in collaboration with Al-Hussein Technical University, with support from UNICEF and in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Environment. We take great pride in the fact that this conference is led entirely by youth actively engaged in climate action.”
The two-day conference featured panel discussions on the impact of climate change on vital sectors, the role of youth in climate action, the intersection of climate and youth, peace and security, and the role of civil society organizations in supporting climate initiatives. The event also included workshops on climate justice, mental health and climate change, inclusivity in climate action, climate-smart agriculture, and the role of arts and culture in climate advocacy. The activities culminated in the announcement of a youth-led policy paper, representing a commitment from both youth and decision-makers to effectively address climate change.
The conference aimed to raise environmental awareness, highlight innovative youth-led projects and initiatives addressing the impacts of climate change and empower young people to engage with decision-makers in shaping policies and taking effective climate actions. It provided a platform for youth to propose alternatives and solutions to tackle climate change, supporting youth-led green innovations and projects. The conference also offered an opportunity for policymakers, civil society representatives, and donors to engage with young people on climate issues. Moreover, it sought to prepare young climate leaders from Jordan to participate in global networks, such as the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) to be held this year in Azerbaijan.