Emmanuel Tyron, a youth leader from Lugari Sub-County in Kakamega County, will be joining a team of delegates tasked with scrutinizing national and international climate policies and crafting a comprehensive youth framework in anticipation of COP28, scheduled to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tyron has been recognized by the Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG) and the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) as part of this year’s Local Youth Conference (LCOY), which kicks off at the African Nazarene University on Tuesday.
“Your selection as a delegate not only acknowledges your outstanding contributions to the cause but also recognizes your potential to inspire and lead the youth towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. Your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I have no doubt that you will make a significant impact during the conference,” read the invitation in part.
A pivotal moment in Tyron’s journey was his active involvement as one of Africa’s youth leaders in the Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi this past September.
“As a young leader, I have been passionate and actively engaged in the effort to reverse the climate crisis. My effort has led me to join other young people in Kenya and internationally to participate in a multitude of initiatives at the local, national, and international levels to create a climate-friendly future,” Tyron told WKT.
LCOY serves as a crucial platform where hundreds of youth-driven climate movements and organizations converge to gain insights into strategies for mitigating the climate crisis.
“This year’s event will bring together young people to build their capacity on policy processes and frameworks, understand youth priorities, and develop the Kenya Youth Statement ahead of COY 18 and COP28,” reads a letter of invitation in part, stating that the event will go with the theme “Bridging the gap between policy and practice”.
The forum, which will run until Thursday, will be followed by the selection of a few youths, as required for every member of the UN, who will participate in the Global Conference of Youths (GCOY) to be held a few days before COP28 that will kick off on November 30, 2023 to December 12, 2023.
“I am focused on engaging youths to collectively participate in official and formal avenues in policy design, implementation, monitoring, follow-up, and review at all levels,” Tyron said, adding that he is well prepared for the event, which kicks off on Tuesday.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.