MENA youth urge greater role in climate action

MANAH: The Regional Youth Conference on Climate in the Middle East and North Africa (RCOY MENA 2026) concluded at the Oman Across the Ages Museum on Saturday, calling for stronger youth participation in climate action and greater support for developing countries.
The conference recommended that climate action in developing countries remain nationally determined and led, taking into account differences in national circumstances and development priorities.
It also called for adequate financing, technology transfer and capacity building, in line with the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
Organised by the Madad Youth Foundation and the Green Opportunities team, the conference brought together more than 500 young people from over 22 countries.
Participants called for greater youth participation in national climate pathways and urged the establishment of measures to protect environmental and water infrastructure, as well as climate workers, in conflict zones.
The conference also recommended prioritising national adaptation plans in least developed and conflict-affected countries and providing the technical support needed for their development and implementation.
It further stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation on transboundary water basins among riparian states through permanent negotiation mechanisms rather than ad hoc agreements.
The conference highlighted the importance of strengthening mitigation efforts in developing countries through adequate funding, technology transfer and capacity building, while taking into account national circumstances and development priorities.
The closing ceremony was sponsored by Shaikh Mahmoud bin Rashid al Saadi, who is in charge of running the affairs of the Governor of Al Dakhiliyah. The ceremony also witnessed the announcement of the winning projects in several fields related to innovation and climate action.
The 'Water It Mindfully' game project won the Climate Change Makers Award, while 'Carbon Down' received the Best Innovative Climate Solution Award. The 'Clean Sea and Sustainable Life' project won the Best Awareness and Marketing Campaign Award.
The 'EcoGrid 2030' project won the award for Best Engineering Model Supporting Sustainable Development, while 'Every Drop Counts' was named Best Sustainable Digital Innovation. The 'Bring Me Back to Life Again' campaign received the Best Sustainable Impact Award.
In the Green Entrepreneurial Projects Prospects Challenge, 'Planet Champions' won first place, followed by 'Land and Face' in second and 'Renew' in third.
Held as part of Oman Climate Week 2026, the conference addressed key issues related to climate action and the transition to sustainable development, including energy transition, renewable energy and green hydrogen, emissions reduction and industrial decarbonisation, the circular economy, sustainable cities, resource efficiency, green jobs and skills, youth entrepreneurship, climate finance, sustainable mobility and climate technologies.
It also examined ways to enhance youth participation in climate policies and negotiations.
The conference aimed to strengthen youth participation in developing climate solutions and policies, build their capacity in negotiation and climate action, and provide a regional platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences.
It also sought to connect young people with decision-makers, experts, and national and international institutions through high-level dialogue sessions, specialised workshops and networking opportunities.
A green entrepreneurship hackathon was also held, enabling participants to develop initiatives and solutions addressing climate challenges.
The conference sought to move youth participation beyond attendance and discussion towards active contributions to climate solutions, initiatives and policies, while building a sustainable regional network of young people working in climate and development.
Oman’s hosting of RCOY MENA 2026 forms part of its efforts to support climate action, empower young people and enhance their participation in environmental and climate issues.
The conference also provided a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation on climate and sustainability, while introducing participating youth to Oman’s experience in areas including the transition towards net zero, clean energy, sustainability and green development. — ONA