By Teboho Mbhele

Members of Climate YES South Africa took center stage at the Local Youth Climate Conference (LCOY 2025) in Menlyn Maine, participating in a high-level G20 negotiation simulation focused on urban just transition and climate finance. Funded by the European Union and supported by the Presidential Climate Commission, the immersive event challenged young leaders to navigate complex multilateral diplomacy.

The workshop delivered critical insights into the global state of climate action. Key findings emphasized that both public and private climate financing must prioritize people over shareholders to ensure equity. Participants also called for stricter accountability mechanisms to protect climate funds from corruption, stressing that youth must spearhead these local policies. During the simulation, delegates experienced firsthand how national interests often clash with global climate goals, underscoring the intense nature of international diplomacy.

Reflecting on the event, the Climate YES delegation recommended that future conferences simplify their vocabulary. Overly dense, formal language can act as a barrier to inclusion, and climate spaces must remain accessible to all advocates. Armed with fresh diplomatic insights, Climate YES South Africa is ready to leverage these negotiation strategies to demand transparent, youth-led climate finance in their home communities.