Our Flagship Event: The OCCA Youth Climate Conference
The Oceania Caribbean Climate Alliance (OCCA) Youth Climate Conference will bring together young climate leaders from across every nation in Oceania and the Caribbean for an intensive 2.5-day summit that will forge a powerful youth alliance between two of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions. This groundbreaking event will combine traditional conference workshops with hands-on changemaking activities such as depollution initiatives, culminating in the collective drafting of a Youth Climate Statement.
The OCCA Youth Climate Conference addresses the issue that young people at the forefront of the climate crisis are being ignored and suffering its consequences with limited support. This will be implemented by connecting young leaders across both regions to build supportive, reciprocal networks. Through peer-to-peer exchange, delegates will share innovative solutions, Indigenous knowledge, and community-led strategies, strengthening locally driven responses and ensuring young leaders do not face the climate crisis alone.
Success Metrics
Cross-Regional Collaboration & Representation
- Delegates representing >90% of Caribbean and Pacific states
- Minimum of 5 formal collaboration pathways initiated (MOUs, joint initiatives, working groups, or follow-on projects) between delegates
- Post-summit coordination mechanism established within 60 days
- Regional and international media coverage of young climate changemakers
- Delegates offered pathways for continued engagement with the Global Shapers Hubs across Oceania and the Caribbean.
Policy & Action Outputs
- Publication of the Youth Climate Statement within 6 months of the Summit
- 3–5 jointly authored policy or action briefs produced and disseminated by delegates within 6 months of the Summit
- Evidence of uptake or reference to the Youth Climate Statement by at least two regional or international climate body or policymaking processes
- Identification of at least 3 pilot or scalable solution concepts
Youth Leadership & Capacity Outcomes
- 85%+ of youth participants report measurable gains in leadership skills, technical knowledge, or professional networks
- Structured post-summit mentorship or follow-up programme, and opportunity-sharing platform, launched within 90 days
Host Country Impact
- Minimum 30% of total event expenditure directed to local vendors
- Direct engagement of Saint Lucian youth organisations, NGOs, or community actors in programme planning and delivery