As momentum builds toward the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, CorpsAfrica is proud to stand alongside partners who believe in the power of volunteerism to advance sustainable development. Across Africa, CorpsAfrica Volunteers continue to demonstrate how young leaders can collaborate with communities to identify priorities, implement locally driven solutions, and strengthen resilience from the ground up.
This commitment to youth leadership and climate action was highlighted in October 2025, when CorpsAfrica/Senegal, together with its Alumni network, organized the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) on climate in Dakar.
The conference brought together more than 500 young participants representing all 14 regions of Senegal, creating a vibrant platform for youth voices, ideas, and solutions to address climate challenges at both the local and global levels.
The 2025 edition of LCOY Senegal was supported for the second consecutive year by Youth Opportunity and Transformation in Africa (YOTA) through its Africa Youth Partnership on Climate Action project, reinforcing a shared commitment to empowering young Africans to lead climate action across the continent. The conference was also held in partnership with UNICEF Senegal and Enabel, reflecting a strong coalition dedicated to strengthening youth participation in environmental governance.
The first day of the conference, held on October 30, officially launched LCOY Senegal 2025 under the theme “Youth on the Frontline: Acting Locally for Global Climate Justice.” The opening ceremony took place at the Onomo Hotel Dakar and was chaired by Seydina Issa Laye Samb, Mayor of Yoff Municipality. The event was also honored by the presence of Laura Cornelis, Political Advisor at the Embassy of Belgium in Senegal, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in supporting youth-led climate initiatives.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in discussions, workshops, and collaborative sessions aimed at strengthening youth capacity to influence climate policy and drive community-based solutions. As part of the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (YOUNGO), delegates developed formal recommendations advocating for climate justice and stronger youth representation in national and international climate decision-making.
The 2025 conference also marked the third consecutive year of support from UNICEF Senegal for CorpsAfrica/Senegal’s work to expand youth engagement in climate action. Through partnerships like these, young leaders are gaining the tools, networks, and platforms needed to transform ideas into meaningful impact.
As CorpsAfrica looks ahead to IVY 2026, initiatives like LCOY Senegal demonstrate the growing power of youth-led volunteerism. By amplifying youth voices and fostering collective action, these efforts are helping build a more just, inclusive, and climate-resilient future for Senegal and beyond.
