Young people from Somalia are bringing their experiences, priorities and solutions to regional climate discussions at the Regional Conference of Youth on Climate Change for the Middle East and North Africa (RCOY MENA 2026), with support from UNFPA Somalia to strengthen the participation of youth-led organizations in regional and global policy spaces.
Held from 16–19 September 2026 at the Oman Across Ages Museum in Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman, RCOY MENA brings together more than 500 young people from over 20 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. The conference is part of the YOUNGO process, the official children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Through its Adolescents and Youth programme, UNFPA Somalia is supporting representatives of Somali youth-led organizations to participate in the conference, helping ensure that the perspectives of young people from Somalia—including those living in communities affected by climate shocks, displacement and other humanitarian challenges—are represented in regional climate discussions.
From participation to influence
For Somalia, youth participation in climate action is particularly important. Young people make up a significant share of the country’s population and are experiencing the interconnected consequences of climate change, displacement, limited livelihood opportunities and pressures on essential services.
UNFPA’s support therefore goes beyond enabling young people to attend conferences. It is part of a broader commitment to creating opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives, connect with their peers across the region, build leadership and advocacy skills, and contribute directly to policy processes.
At RCOY MENA 2026, Somali youth are engaging with young climate leaders, policymakers, practitioners and innovators from across the region on three major areas: adaptation, resilience and human well-being; just transition, green economy and innovation; and climate finance, governance and inclusive leadership. The conference also provides young delegates with practical opportunities to participate in policy labs, negotiation exercises, workshops, networking and discussions with decision-makers.
Bringing Somalia’s perspectives to the regional table
Somali participants are contributing experiences from a country where the effects of climate change intersect closely with the realities facing young people and their communities. Their participation creates an opportunity to highlight the importance of placing young people—not only as beneficiaries but as leaders and partners—at the centre of responses to climate change and community resilience.
It also provides a platform for Somali youth-led organizations to build relationships with regional youth networks, exchange approaches with their counterparts and bring lessons and connections back to youth initiatives in Somalia.
Shaping the road to COP31
A central outcome of RCOY MENA 2026 is the development of the MENA Regional Youth Statement and a regional policy paper, consolidating priorities raised by young people across participating countries. These regional inputs are expected to feed into COY21 and subsequently the youth engagement process around COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. This gives the participation of Somali youth a significance beyond the four-day conference: their perspectives can contribute to a wider regional youth position informing international climate discussions.
For UNFPA Somalia, supporting this engagement reflects the principle that young people should have meaningful opportunities to influence policies and decisions that affect their present and future.
Investing in youth leadership
UNFPA Somalia works with government institutions, youth-led organizations and other partners to expand opportunities for young people to participate in development, peacebuilding and decision-making processes.
This includes supporting youth leadership and civic participation, strengthening youth-led organizations, promoting Youth, Peace and Security, and creating platforms through which young women and men can engage policymakers and advocate for their priorities.
“Meaningful youth participation means ensuring that young people have the opportunity not only to attend important platforms, but to contribute, influence decisions and bring the knowledge and networks they gain back to their communities. Supporting Somali youth at RCOY MENA is part of UNFPA’s broader investment in young people as leaders and partners in building a more peaceful, resilient and sustainable Somalia.” Abdihakim Abdullahi, Youth Specialist, UNFPA Somalia.
As climate pressures increasingly intersect with population dynamics, displacement, health, livelihoods, gender equality and peace and security, strengthening the leadership of young people will remain essential to building resilient communities.
By supporting Somali youth-led organizations to participate in platforms such as RCOY MENA 2026, UNFPA is helping young people move from being represented in conversations to actively shaping them.
