Last weekend at LCOY hosted at Wageningen University, young leaders from across Europe and beyond gathered to centre climate justice in every session. Partners including LCOY Netherlands, Key Netherlands, Wageningen University, Youngo UNFCCC, Youth for Climate NL and Jongeren Milieuraad brought youth perspectives to panels and workshops that insisted a justice-based approach is non-negotiable.
Speakers and participants explored how legal frameworks can better protect the most vulnerable, linking lived experiences to concrete policy demands. The emphasis on climate justice ran through discussions, with facilitators stressing that laws and institutions must prioritize those at greatest risk from environmental harm.
At the market stall, organisers engaged visitors about their purpose and celebrated a major ICJAO win from July, using the space to build momentum and explain recent advocacy successes. Informal dialogues at the stall turned into new connections and collaborative plans, underscoring the role of grassroots outreach in sustaining policy campaigns.
For Pakistani youth and climate advocates observing global fora, the conversations in Wageningen offer practical lessons on combining public mobilisation with legal strategies. Participants left determined to keep the energy going, deepen alliances and press for durable protections for vulnerable communities. Photo credits for slides 1, 3 and 5 go to Tamara Kedves.
