YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is proud to announce that students Narek Ohanyan (BSCS ’26) and Ani Paltajyan (BAEC ’28), with support from the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment and UNICEF Armenia, have secured the international license to host a Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in Armenia.
LCOY is part of the United Nations’ YOUNGO initiative, which supports youth participation in climate advocacy and policymaking. Through these conferences, young people worldwide contribute to climate action and have their voices represented in major global discussions, including the annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP). The Armenian LCOY will provide a platform for youth to engage with experts, policymakers, and civil society to tackle some of the country’s most pressing environmental issues.
For Narek and Ani, climate activism is deeply personal. Growing up in Vedi, Ararat, a region already facing significant environmental challenges, they quickly understood the urgency of taking action. Their shared commitment to environmental advocacy led them to co-found Climapolis, a startup dedicated to climate education and activism.
“We grew up witnessing environmental challenges — climate change, pollution, and ecological degradation. We both realized that this is something we must address, not just for ourselves, but for future generations,” shared Narek.
Through Climapolis, they have developed educational materials and a game on climate change, helping young people understand the scientific and policy aspects of the crisis. Their work has garnered significant recognition, leading to collaborations with UNICEF Armenia, the Ministry of Environment of Armenia, and the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment.
Ani and Narek believe that LCOY Armenia 2025 will be a major step in starting to make a change, culminating in the Armenian Youth Climate Declaration — a policy document that they intend to eventually present at the UN Climate Change Convention’s COP 30. “This isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about action. Our goal is to ensure that Armenian youth are not just passive observers but active participants in shaping climate policies,” Ani emphasized. “We need to propose solutions and push decision-makers to take concrete steps.”
LCOY Armenia 2025 will focus on five key themes, including air pollution, biodiversity loss, disaster resilience, water security, and inclusivity for vulnerable groups.
“In Armenia, people often lack knowledge about climate change, and some even deny it exists,” said Narek. “Our event will provide a foundation of scientific and policy-based climate education, while also building a strong network of young people who are ready to act.”
Leading up to the main event, they plan to organize regional pre-events in different parts of Armenia, hold awareness campaigns, and engage students through school presentations and university workshops. The conference itself will be hybrid, allowing for both in-person and online participation, making it accessible to young climate activists from Armenia and abroad.
Securing funding and logistical support was one of the biggest challenges in organizing LCOY Armenia. However, with backing from the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, the Ministry of Environment, and UNICEF Armenia, Ani and Narek have ensured that financial, technical, and advisory support is in place. “The AUA Acopian Center has played an integral role in supporting us throughout this process, providing mentorship, resources, and a platform to bring our vision to life,” Narek highlighted. “We have built strong partnerships to make sure this isn’t just a symbolic event. We want real engagement, real solutions, and real policy impact,” Ani added.
Alen Amirkhanian, director of the AUA Acopian Center, remarked, “While this would not be the first LCOY organized in Armenia, I have no doubt Ani and Narek will take it to a new national scale, ensuring representation, inclusivity, and diversity of views from all parts of Armenia. This will bring the views of Armenia’s youth to the fore for discussions and impact on national and international climate action.”
Beyond the conference, the students’ vision is to foster long-term youth participation in climate policymaking. Through interactive policy labs, attendees will learn how to analyze and draft policy recommendations, negotiate with decision-makers, and propose climate strategies based on scientific research and real-world case studies. “We are advocating for a more inclusive climate policy,” Narek explained. “For instance, Armenia’s National Adaptation Plan for Climate barely mentions children and young people, even though we are the ones who will inherit this crisis. Our goal is to change that by ensuring that youth concerns are reflected in national and international policies.”
Looking ahead, Ani and Narek hope their efforts will encourage more Armenian youth to participate in COP conferences, ensuring that the country is better represented on the global climate stage. “Armenia has a lot to contribute to the global climate discussion, and our young people should be a part of it,” Ani remarked.
For those interested in getting involved in climate activism but unsure where to start, Narek offered simple but powerful advice: “Start small, but start today. Join local environmental groups, connect with like-minded people, and take action. Every voice matters, and we are doing everything possible to ensure those voices are heard at our conference and beyond.”
Currently, Narek and Ani are still in the organizational phase of the conference, which is set to take place this summer. They will soon be sharing updates on how young people across Armenia can participate in the event.
AUA congratulates Narek and Ani on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing their impact through LCOY Armenia, a pivotal step in empowering the next generation of climate leaders.
The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia (AUA), promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. The AUA Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection and conservation, greening the built environment, sustainable energy, as well as information technology and the environment. Visit http://ace.aua.am.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.