RCOY MENA 2026 Concludes in Oman with Calls for Stronger Youth Climate Action

Oman Hosts Regional Youth Climate Conference as 500 Young Leaders from 22 Countries Join

Manah: The Regional Conference of Youth on Climate for the Middle East and North Africa (RCOY MENA 2026) concluded today at the Oman Across the Ages Museum, with participants calling for climate action in developing countries to remain nationally determined and nationally led, taking into account differing national circumstances and development priorities.

The conference recommended that climate action in developing countries be supported through 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 men and women from more than 22 countries.

Participants called for stronger youth involvement in national climate pathways and recommended establishing mechanisms to protect environmental and water infrastructure and climate workers in conflict-affected areas.

The conference also recommended prioritising national adaptation plans in least developed and conflict-affected countries, together with technical support for designing and implementing such plans.

It further called for stronger regional cooperation on transboundary water basins through permanent negotiation mechanisms among riparian states rather than temporary or ad hoc arrangements.

Participants stressed the importance of strengthening climate mitigation efforts in developing countries by providing appropriate financing, technology transfer and capacity building tailored to national circumstances and development priorities.

The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mahmoud bin Rashid Al Saadi, Acting Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, and featured the announcement of winning projects in several fields related to climate innovation and action.

The “Water It Mindfully” project won the main Climate Change Makers Award, while “Carbon Down” received the Best Innovative Climate Solution Award and “Clean Sea and Sustainable Life” 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” received the award for Best Sustainable Digital Innovation.

The “Bring Me Back to Life Again” campaign won 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 examined a wide range of issues linked to climate action and the transition to sustainable development.

Topics included 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.

The conference also addressed ways to strengthen youth participation in climate policies and negotiations and develop their capacity to contribute to climate action.

It aimed to move youth participation beyond attendance and discussion towards direct involvement in developing climate solutions, initiatives and policies, while building a sustainable regional network of young people working in climate and development.

A green entrepreneurship hackathon was held alongside high-level dialogue sessions, specialised workshops and networking opportunities connecting young participants with experts, decision-makers and representatives of national and international institutions.

The conference provided participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences and develop ideas and initiatives addressing climate challenges.

Oman’s hosting of RCOY MENA 2026 forms part of its efforts to support climate action, empower young people and strengthen their participation in environmental and climate-related issues.

The event also served as a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation on climate and sustainability, while giving participating youth an opportunity to learn about Oman’s experience in clean energy, sustainability, green development and its transition towards net-zero emissions.