Fulbrighter launches first ever Local Conference of Youth in Pakistan

In the face of an escalating global climate crisis, Pakistan achieved a pivotal milestone with its first-ever Local Conference of Youth (LCOY). The conference, organised under the leadership of Waqas Idrees – a Fulbright scholar with a Masters in Energy Systems from the US – brought youth from all backgrounds together to talk and discuss climate change.

The groundbreaking conference was the first youth-led event endorsed by YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Such an endorsement not only signifies international recognition of Pakistan's youth efforts but also places them at the forefront of global climate change discussions.

With nearly 60% of Pakistan's populace being youth, the LCOY provided a critical platform for them to shape climate policies and strategies. The event laid the foundation for inclusivity and representation, uniting voices from every corner of the country. A crowning achievement of LCOY Pakistan was the development of a policy paper, reflecting the collective voice of Pakistan's youth. This strategic document is set to be integrated into the Global Youth Statement, positioning it at the heart of discussions at COP28.

Beyond the conference, Waqas stands as a beacon in the fight against climate change. He is a sustainability and climate risk professional leading his initiative called ICARE (Climate Awareness and Resilient Earth). Through ICARE, Waqas strives to empower impoverished and internally displaced children and youth, enlightening them about climate change while nurturing their meta, humanistic, and social skills, laying the foundation for a resilient future generation.

Responding to the conference’s success, Waqas said:

This was a pivotal milestone in Pakistan's response to climate change, representing a concerted effort spearheaded by the youth of Pakistan. This platform allowed the next generation, in all their diversity, to assertively make their voices heard on an issue of profound global significance, especially since it directly pertains to their future. It was an honor to be a part of this collaborative initiative, and I am eagerly anticipating the journey ahead as we continue to amplify our voices globally.