About Youth for COP
Youth for COP is a youth leadership and capacity-building initiative by The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, developed in collaboration with partners committed to nurturing the next generation of climate leaders. The programme recognises that empowering young people to engage meaningfully in climate policymaking and negotiations is imperative in today’s world. Youth are key stewards of the planet, with an essential role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. The programme provides participants with a deeper understanding of the Conference of Parties (COP) processes and deliberations. Young people are trained to articulate their ideas, concerns, and solutions effectively, ensuring their voices are heard within climate policy spaces. Youth for COP also equips participants to navigate the complexities of the COP platform, preparing them to engage confidently in future climate discussions. Through capacity-building workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and networking opportunities, Youth for COP cultivates leadership and advocacy skills. The initiative supports young people to ignite change by strengthening climate literacy, building confidence, and fostering connections across the climate action ecosystem.
Y4C : Numbers
48+
Participant Countries
1000
Social Media Posts
2600+
Participants
40+
Expert Speakers
80
Blogs Written
Y4C : The Second Edition
Youth for COP 2025 marked the second edition of the programme and its evolution into a truly global youth leadership initiative. Designed to strengthen climate literacy, systems understanding, and communication skills among young people from the Global South, the programme was delivered in the lead-up to COP30. Building on its earlier regional foundation, Youth for COP 2025 expanded its reach to bring together youth living on the frontlines of the climate crisis, with a strong emphasis on climate justice, regional equity, and amplifying voices that remain underrepresented in global climate negotiations. Delivered over a three-month period, Youth for COP 2025 engaged more than 1,500 participants from over 48 countries through a structured series of expert-led thematic sessions and practical workshops. The programme combined technical learning on key climate policy areas with interactive discussions, reflective writing, and peer exchange. A defining feature of this edition was its focus on lived experiences, with participants sharing first-hand accounts of climate impacts across regions, fostering cross-regional learning and solidarity. Overall, the programme contributed to building a more informed, confident, and connected cohort of young climate leaders prepared to engage meaningfully in climate conversations leading up to COP30 and beyond.
Y4C : The First Edition
The first edition of Youth 4 COP was a remarkable success, engaging over 1,100 youth across 8 South Asian countries through expert-led sessions, workshops, and dynamic engagement platforms. With guidance from experienced speakers, participants gained negotiation skills and climate knowledge, enabling them to contribute to COP 29—both in person and via social media reporting, amplifying youth voices in global climate discussions. Building on the success of the first edition, The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia proudly launches the second edition of Youth 4 COP, reaffirming its commitment to empowering young climate leaders. This initiative equips participants with a deep understanding of COP processes, helping them effectively articulate ideas, concerns, and solutions, while navigating the complexities of climate negotiations. Through capacity-building workshops, expert-led sessions, and networking opportunities, Youth 4 COP continues to foster leadership and advocacy, preparing youth to take an active role in global climate dialogues. In collaboration with like-minded partners, the program expands its reach and engagement strategies, ensuring youth voices remain at the forefront of climate policy-making. With structured training and a growing network, Youth 4 COP empowers young changemakers to drive meaningful climate action, shaping a more sustainable future.
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