Who we are
The Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) was established in 2009 during the Young Commonwealth Climate Summit in London, where 150 young environmental leaders gathered to share experiences and expertise. The CYCN aims to build the capacity of young people in their endeavours to address climate change and other environmental issues, and advocate on climate change from a youth perspective.
The network is run by a team of dedicated volunteer professionals and young people from across the Commonwealth, with support from the Youth Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Leneka Rhoden of Jamaica is the current CYCN Coordinator.
What we do
The CYCN supports actions that empower young people to translate climate change programmes into effective policies that have a measurable impact on youth well-being. It also links projects implemented by its members across the Commonwealth in order to develop common actions and campaigns.
CYCN members advocate within national and local governments, as well as in international agencies and global spaces such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to ensure that succeeding generations are spared from the harshest effects of climate change.
For more information and updates, email: [email protected]
Meet the CYCN Executive team
The Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) is led by a youth team comprised
of a Network Coordinator, five (5) Executive Committee members, Regional Coordinators, and
Country Coordinators. The various committees within the network include:
• Partnerships and Engagement Committee: Seeks to secure funding opportunities both regionally and internationally so that, regional and country coordinators can upscale their initiatives in the region.
• Policy & Advocacy Committee: Responsible for promoting climate and sustainability policies through various advocacy networks across the Commonwealth in collaboration with the Country Coordinators.
• Communication & Public Relations Committee: Responsible for coordinating all online platforms of CYCN for a consistent and seamless exchange of information between the network and the public. The committee is also responsible for internal communications between the CYCN Executives and the wider membership.
• Projects, Events & Competitions Committee: Coordinates and seek opportunities for Network development and connects members with knowledgeable people in peacebuilding through training opportunities virtually or online. The committee is primarily responsible for the planning and execution of events and activities of the CYCN.
• Participation & Grassroots Engagement Committee: Tasked with creating and maintaining the Network’s database and that of key stakeholders in the climate and sustainable development space across the Commonwealth. A key role of the committee is to enhance engagement with grassroots organizations and marginalized or vulnerable populations to involve those young persons in the initiatives of the CYCN.
