In anticipation of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28), Creative Development, in collaboration with the African Youth Collaboration Assembly (AYCA) and the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, hosted AYCA Unplugged: The COP28 Youth Agenda.
This initiative aimed to harness the momentum ignited by the Africa Climate Summit 2023 (ACS) to reaffirm the inaugurated AYCA Nairobi Youth Declaration, as well as the youth of Africa’s commitment to climate-positive growth as the continent heads into COP 28.
According to Dr. Okito Wedi, Founder and CEO, of Creative Development, after the resounding success of the African Youth Climate Assembly that united over 800 dynamic young minds from over 40 nations, it is imperative that more momentum is built on the same as we look forward to COP28.
Dr Okito emphasized that the focus remains steadfast on cultivating a more resilient Africa, where the largest demographic, our youth, are active participants and treated as shareholders.
“The assembly showcased the unwavering resilience and dedication of young Africans, underscoring their commitment to partake in pivotal decision-making processes and contribute to the green growth agenda as outlined in the African Youth Climate Assembly Declaration. As we eagerly anticipate COP 28 and beyond, let us reshape the narrative, highlighting young people as solution architects armed with innovative, creative, and sustainable ideas that merit scaling up and robust support for greater Impact!” said Dr. Okito – African Youth Climate Assembly Secretariat.
Through authentic storytelling, the creative arts, and open dialogue, this gathering offered an opportune moment for partners across government, the private sector, civil society, and youth groups to unite and exchange insights and thoughts on enhancing youth-led initiatives for impactful climate action.
“Boasting the world’s youngest populace of over 400 million, Africa is a realm of unmatched potential and ambition. With a wealth of clean energy resources, arable land, vital minerals, and among the fastest-growing economies globally, it stands as a pivotal element in the global solution to climate change. Yet, the role of African youth in forging a sustainable and resilient continent is not fully utilized, and impending climate issues pose a challenge to their empowerment. Thus, the intertwined potential of Africa and its youth is a latent treasure needing global recognition and nurturing.” – Dr. Okito Wedi, Founder and CEO, Crtve Development.
The successes of the Africa Climate Summit and the preceding Africa Youth Climate Assembly have been remarkable, bringing together climate actors from across the continent and highlighting the crucial role of youth in the fight against climate change.
Elizabeth Wathuti, Lead Coordinator for the African Youth Collaboration Assembly (AYCA) said that in the lead-up to COP 28, the urgency for collective global actions against climate change has been amplified, leading to the inception of the African Youth Declaration.
“This declaration brings together diverse African youth voices to demand sustainable change and actively
participate in global environmental policy-making processes as COP 28 approaches. It prominently champions the creation of green jobs for youth, offering a potent solution to the dual crisis of high youth unemployment rates in Africa and growing climate threats,” said Wathuti.
The successes of the Africa Climate Summit and the preceding Africa Youth Climate Assembly have been remarkable, bringing together climate actors from across the continent and highlighting the crucial role of youth in the fight against climate change.
As we approach COP 28 and beyond, it is essential to recognize and empower young climate leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to develop and implement African-led solutions to the global climate crisis.
In the lead-up to COP 28, the urgency for collective global actions against climate change has been amplified, leading to the inception of the African Youth Declaration. This declaration brings together diverse African youth voices to demand sustainable change and actively participate in global environmental policy-making processes as COP 28 approaches.
It prominently champions the creation of green jobs for youth, offering a potent solution to the dual crisis of high youth unemployment rates in Africa and growing climate threats.
Green jobs harness the youth’s creativity, energy, and innovative capabilities, converting them into impactful solutions for our climate challenges. These jobs also provide an avenue to alleviate Africa’s high
youth unemployment rates.
H.E. Stephan Schønemann, Danish Ambassador to Kenya said there is an urgent need to equip African youth with skills suitable for green economies through education and training programs also features strongly in the declaration.
Adding that by incorporating green job concepts into educational curriculums and promoting climate change literacy, young Africans can further refine their skills in low-carbon sectors resulting in a shift towards renewable energy and sustainable development.
The African Youth Declaration arrived at during the AYCA, therefore, calls for increased youth involvement in environmental policy-making from grassroots to global stages leading up to COP 28, emphasizing the pivotal role of green jobs in transitioning towards environmental
sustainability.
“It is very explicit in our foreign and development policy that Denmark has the ambition to assume leadership and strengthen action to accelerate green and energy transition and support climate change
adaptation. Youth is key in this transition: Youths are the majority and the future in Africa and you can count on Denmark to support you.” Said the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya
