The 2026 edition of the Conference of Youth on Environment and Climate (COYEC 2026) has successfully concluded in Abuja, bringing together over 2,500 participants, stakeholders, and delegates from across Nigeria and beyond for robust discussions on the future of work, technological innovation, climate action, and sustainable development.
Held under the theme “Future of Work, Technology, and Sustainability in a Changing Environment,” the two-day conference served as a dynamic platform for youth leaders, policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, environmental advocates, academics, and private sector actors to explore innovative solutions to emerging environmental and socio-economic challenges.
The conference was organized by SDSN Youth Nigeria and co-hosted by the Association for Students Social Welfare (ASSW), with support from strategic partners committed to advancing sustainability and youth participation in climate action.
The event attracted more than 200 physical delegates at the Green Building of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Maitama, Abuja, while over 2,000 participants joined virtually from different parts of Nigeria and abroad. COYEC 2026 also featured 24 abstract presentations and five exhibitions showcasing innovative climate solutions, sustainability initiatives, and research-driven interventions.
Day One: Youth Researchers Showcase Innovative Climate Solutions
The first day of the conference focused on virtual abstract presentations and research engagement sessions.
Opening the programme, Network Coordinator of SDSN Youth Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Odulana, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of research, innovation, and youth-driven solutions in addressing climate-related challenges.
A total of 24 young researchers, innovators, and sustainability advocates presented abstracts covering various thematic areas, including renewable energy, climate resilience, environmental governance, green entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, waste management, technological innovation, and community-led climate adaptation strategies.
The presentations provided participants with opportunities to exchange knowledge, receive expert feedback, and explore pathways for translating research into practical interventions capable of advancing sustainable development goals.
Day Two: High-Level Dialogues, Policy Conversations, and Strategic Partnerships
The second day featured the main conference, keynote sessions, goodwill messages, expert presentations, and a high-level panel discussion focused on the intersection of technology, sustainability, innovation, and employment opportunities in a rapidly changing global environment.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Mrs. Leah Tolulope Akinfiresoye, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, commended the organizers for creating a platform that recognizes the critical role of young people in climate action and sustainable development.
She noted that climate initiatives should not only focus on environmental protection but also create economic opportunities through green entrepreneurship, waste transformation, innovation, skills acquisition, and job creation.
According to her, empowering young people with the right tools and opportunities would significantly contribute to poverty reduction while advancing environmental sustainability.
Additional goodwill messages were delivered by Dr. Audu Adamu, Project Coordinator on Sustainable Development Goals in Yobe State; Amb. Victor Adetolaju, Founder and Executive Director of the Association for Students Social Welfare; Amb. Taiwo Ajayi, National Director of Youth Advocacy and Policy, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and Founder of the Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN); and Emmanuel Ola-Olowoyo, Network Manager of SDSN Nigeria.
In his address, Amb. Taiwo Ajayi highlighted the strategic role of young people in shaping sustainable development outcomes across Africa. He emphasized that youth participation remains essential in addressing climate challenges, driving innovation, influencing policy reforms, and promoting environmental sustainability.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, youth organizations, development institutions, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to create opportunities that support green jobs, entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
Ajayi further stressed that the future of work is increasingly connected to technological advancement and sustainability, noting that young people must be equipped with relevant skills and knowledge to remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He also highlighted the contributions of the Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) in promoting youth leadership, civic engagement, advocacy, and community development initiatives across Nigeria. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting programmes that empower young people and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The goodwill speakers collectively underscored the significance of the conference as SDSN Youth Nigeria celebrated the fifth edition of COYEC, reflecting on the platform’s growing impact in promoting climate advocacy, sustainability education, and youth engagement.
Keynote and Technical Sessions
A major highlight of the conference was the keynote presentation delivered by Rose Keffas, a renowned Global Development and Public Policy Leader.
Her presentation focused on strengthening governance systems and policy frameworks to accelerate climate technology adoption across Africa. She emphasized the need for African governments to create enabling environments that encourage innovation, attract investment, and support sustainable development initiatives.
Technical sessions were also delivered by representatives of prominent institutions.
Mr. Ayoade Gboyega, representing the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, discussed opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development.
Similarly, Mr. Folahan Oworu, representing Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, highlighted pathways for achieving energy access while promoting climate sustainability.
Expert Panel Examines Sustainability, Innovation and Youth Leadership
The conference featured a high-level panel discussion involving distinguished experts from various sectors.
Panelists included:
* Mr. Ariyo Olanrewaju, Head of Sustainability and Business Development Unit, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)
* Ms. Blessing Ewa, Founder, YASIF Nigeria
* Ms. Nkoli Omohdu, Head of Environmental Desk, Africa Independent Television (AIT)
* Mr. Gegele Olushola Yahya, CEO and Co-Founder, Premium Blue Economy
The panel explored strategies for promoting youth leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic growth while addressing emerging climate challenges.
Discussions also focused on how technology can be leveraged to create jobs, support environmental protection, and drive inclusive development across Africa.
Exhibition Highlights Innovative Sustainability Solutions
COYEC 2026 also featured an exhibition segment showcasing impactful projects and community-based initiatives advancing environmental sustainability and climate action.
Participating organizations included:
* The Umar Maudo Foundation (UMF)
* The Ebaidebheki Initiative
* Enhancing Communities Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH)
* TechSpace Innovators
* Ptadela Farm Enterprise
The exhibition provided participants with opportunities to interact with innovators, explore practical solutions, and foster partnerships for sustainable development.
Reflections and Closing Remarks
Delivering the conference reflections, Fareedat Opeifa, Programmes Lead of SDSN Youth Nigeria, highlighted key lessons, achievements, and commitments emerging from the conference.
She noted that the event demonstrated the growing commitment of young people to climate action, innovation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Speaking on the overall success of the conference, Ajiola Oluwabukunmi, Project Lead of COYEC 2026 and Director of Projects and Strategy at SDSN Youth Nigeria, described the event as a major milestone in advancing youth participation in sustainability conversations.
He expressed appreciation to Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Odiaka, Network Director; Emmanuel Ola-Olowoyo, Network Manager; Oluwatobiloba Ojuoluwa, Deputy Network Coordinator; SDSN Youth Nigeria Team Leads; volunteers; speakers; partners; exhibitors; sponsors; and delegates for their invaluable contributions toward the success of the programme.
According to him, COYEC 2026 reaffirmed the power of youth-led collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships in shaping a sustainable future.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to continue driving climate action, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and inclusive economic development within their communities and across Africa.
COYEC 2026 received support from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, ACCI BEST Event Centre, and the Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN).
About COYEC
The Conference of Youth on Environment and Climate (COYEC) is a youth-led platform dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, climate action, innovation, research, and meaningful youth participation in sustainable development.
Through dialogue, capacity building, advocacy, and collaboration, COYEC empowers young people to contribute practical solutions to pressing environmental and climate challenges while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.