“Youth is already at the forefront of climate action. With their boundless energy and desire to take action, many young people want to become an even stronger vehicle for societal change.” – Hajar Khamlichi, President of MYCN
Context and Objectives
The Mediterranean Youth Climate Network is a network that mobilises young people and fosters sustainable solutions and opportunities in the Mediterranean region.
The MYCN brings together the Arab Youth Climate Movement (AYCM), the Moroccan Youth Climate Movement (MYCM), the Italian Climate Network (ICN), CliMates, the Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network (WECAN), the Leaders Club and EcoPeace Middle East-Palestine.
The UfM proudly supports youth-driven initiatives like the MYCN, with the firm belief that young people are the region’s most valuable asset and must be at the heart of the Mediterranean agenda. The UfM Secretariat hosts MYCN General Assemblies, and welcomes the MYCN as a stakeholder of the UfM Climate Change Expert Group, alongside government representatives, private sector actors and international and regional organisations.
“Generating job opportunities and fighting against climate change are among the top priorities for young people,” said Imene Bouchair, a young representative of the MYCN. “Young people can act as a driving force for sustainable development if we all work together. That’s why we have created the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network with the support of the UfM, a place to share ideas and implement tangible action, putting the Mediterranean region at the forefront of the movement in support of sustainable development.”
As the Mediterranean is a key hotspot for climate change, the youth of the region are facing long-term consequences and adverse effects. With so much at stake, young people must be at the forefront of climate action, and in this context the MYCN provides a vehicle for societal change towards a zerocarbon, inclusive and just society.
The MYCN emerged at MedCOP Climate 2016 and the Charter was signed by the founding associations during COP22 in Marrakech. Their first General Assembly was held in 2017 at the UfM headquarters. Its main objectives, at stated in the Charter, are promoting awareness, advocating solutions, sharing experiences and supporting local initiatives in the field of climate action in the Mediterranean region.
