Press Release

Local conference for Youth Ahead of COP29

22 September 2024

Al-Manakh convened Kuwait’s first ever Local Conference of Youth @Lcoy @youngo in #Kuwait, to hear young people demands on climate action! The event featured a discussion circle with two young Kuwaiti artists to encourage conversations about climate change and action through #art and #storytelling. Leading to @cop29 @unfccc.

Thank you to all the amazing young participants who turned out at the session and shared their views, aspirations, and hopes.

The outcome youth demands of the survey and discussion on climate action will be handed over to @epa_kw and @ypakwt to be discussed at the global conference for youth and ahead of the @cop29_azerbaijan deliberations, as part of the voices of youth.

This event is in collaboration with @Aiesecinkuwait and @ypaKwt and was hosted by @uninkuwait.

Remarks by Mrs. Ghada Eltahir

Representative of UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator to the State of Kuwait

22 September 2024

6 - 8pm

Dear dedicated members of AlManakh…

Representative of the Public Authority for Youth Affairs…

Our Young Artists…

Valued members of AIESEC…

and all the inspiring young people here today,

It is truly an honor to join you in celebrating the outstanding work of AlManakh, Kuwait’s pioneering youth organization, leading the way in raising awareness about climate change and sustainability. Today’s Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is not just a milestone but a powerful sign of progress and a reflection of your vision, determination, and the strength of youth-led initiatives. On behalf of the United Nations, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to AlManakh and everyone present for bringing this vital discussion to Kuwait and for being recognized by YOUNGO under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

We often hear that youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but as we see here today, you are also the leaders of today. Your passion, creativity, and eagerness to learn from each other make you the driving force of the climate movement in Kuwait and beyond. In gatherings like this, where you share ideas and work together, you are making a difference that will reach far beyond this room. Your creative ideas, ambitious energy, and determined willingness to challenge the status quo remind us that the fight against climate change is not just about policies—it’s about building a forward-thinking community and therefore fostering a simultaneously optimistic and strategic mindset that drives meaningful, long-term change.

To many, sustainable systems and cultures may seem like distant dreams or mere possibilities. However, it is thanks to dedicated young people like you who actively seek to make these visions a reality. I am thrilled to witness how today’s event, and the initiatives we see involving work in the community, is a testament to this shift.

By fostering dialogue and partnerships among youth, whether through research, engaging panels, or international collaboration, you are sparking hope and inspiring action. As the only NGO in Kuwait recognized by YOUNGO, AlManakh is showing what’s possible when young people come together to take meaningful action. Your message, your outreach to the community, and the partnerships you’ve built show us that when we unite, we are stronger, and together we can achieve the SDGs.

Today’s discussion is another very crucial stepping stone in the continued dialogue that empowers the changemakers to drive the conversation forward and hold the world accountable. As the 29th Conference of the Parties to UNFCCC approaches, I encourage everyone to use today’s event as a foundation to dive into deeper discussions, engage more fully in the global dialogue, and harness the collective power that arises from bringing your ideas together to positively influence the outcomes of COP 29. You are not merely inheriting this planet; you are actively reshaping it with every discussion, idea, piece of art, and act of advocacy. Your determination to push for change, speak truth to power, and advocate for the future we all deserve is what makes events like this so impactful.

Thank you again, AlManakh, this recognition speaks volumes about your dedication, hard work, and the positive impact you have on youth and climate action. Your leadership in this important initiative is inspiring, and we are confident that your efforts will continue to pave the way for meaningful progress, in Kuwait and beyond. Keep up the incredible work!

And to all the young leaders and artists in this room, thank you, let today remind us all of what’s possible when youth lead the way, driving us forward toward a more resilient, sustainable, and vibrant world.

The United Nations is here to support, amplify, and celebrate your efforts. Your voices matter, and your actions inspire us all to lead by example.

www.almanakhkw.org