Journalists, communicators, bloggers, and civil society youth leaders now have ample knowledge on what awaits them at the upcoming COP31 slated to take place in November 2026. This is thanks to a two-day National capacity building workshop that held from July 29 to 30, 2026.
Organized by Young Volunteers for Environment – JVE, the workshop brought together over 40 participants that gathered at the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa – UNCHRD head office for the official launch of “CAP SUR LA COP 31.
The initiative marks a crucial preparatory process aimed at gearing up local media and youth for active engagement in the upcoming 31st UN Climate Change Conference of Parties dubbed – COP31 scheduled for November in Antalya, Turkey.
The workshop featured comprehensive presentations delivered by key stakeholders and environmental experts. Stéphanie Penanjo, Executive Director of JVE Cameroon, presented the organization’s 14-year background and mission, while Project Manager Blondel Silenou detailed the AGEYCA project’s objectives in advancing gender equality and green governance.
Timothée Kagombe, National Focal Point for the UNFCCC at MINEPDED, provided critical insights into international climate governance, the Paris Agreement, and Cameroon’s national strategies, including the 2021–2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), the National Climate Plan, and the National Adaptation Plan towards 2035.
Technical sessions delved deeply into the mechanisms driving global climate negotiations. Discussions highlighted Article 6.4 on carbon credit mechanisms and Article 6.8 on non-market approaches of the Paris Agreement, along with Measurement, Reporting, and Verification – MRV systems presented by Maxime Moussa.
Furthermore, Paul Dogmo led a session on the Article 8 regime regarding Loss and Damage and the fund established at COP28. Participants also gained practical perspectives through an experience-sharing segment on environmental journalism featuring renowned media figures Anne-Cécile Bras from RFI (“C’est pas du vent”) and Lyne René Anaba from the National broadcaster CRTV.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development – MINEPDED, Timothée Kagombe emphasized the necessity of technical and financial preparation to ensure an honorable representation at COP31. He equally called on aspirants to be specific on topics they wish to focus on before they embark on the journey.
Complementing this perspective, the Regional Director for Central and West Africa at the UNCHRD highlighted that climate change is fundamentally a human rights and governance challenge affecting local dignity and livelihoods.
The UNCHRD underscored the indispensable role of an informed press, emphasizing that media professionals serve as vital bridges between international negotiations and vulnerable local communities to ensure democratic accountability.
The imperative of youth empowerment resonated strongly throughout the workshop’s interventions. Blondel Silenou outlined upcoming grassroots initiatives, including an upcoming “COP31 Children’s COP” designed to build climate literacy at the foundational level so young citizens understand both their rights and environmental duties.
Civil society leader Sunday Geoffrey, Executive Coordinator of NGO “Support to Humanity Cameroon,” noted that structured education on national priorities is essential for enabling young advocates to engage meaningfully, contribute to position papers, and interface effectively with government delegations at global summits.
Participants expressed renewed confidence and enthusiasm regarding their roles in climate action following the intensive sessions. Climate activist Ndifongwa Ngumsi Suh reflected on how the training enhanced his understanding of negotiation histories, from the 1992 UNFCCC convention to the Paris Agreement, building directly on his prior experience tracking climate finance at COP29. Additionally, participants were introduced to the “Youth Climate Watch” platform, a digital site developed by JVE to amplify climate-related publications, research, and civil society reporting across the region.
Looking ahead, JVE Cameroon remains committed to broadening its capacity-building and advocacy footprint across the national territory. To further push the agenda on inclusive environmental leadership, two major upcoming events are set to be organized by JVE: the University of Green Governance and the Eco-Feminism Bootcamp. These flagship programs will continue to equip media, youth, and women with the tools needed to champion human rights, climate justice, and sustainable development.
