Tapping into the the Continent’s Youthful Voices for Climate Justice
In Africa, young people make up 60% to 70% of the total population and boasts the world’s youngest population which is expected to grow even further. This proportion is not different in our religious population where young people make up the biggest population. Young people therefore have become a vital force that bring about the much needed change and action for a sustainable future.
In August 2024, Climate YESrepresentatives from Eswatini, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia participated in a Continental Capacity Building and Roundtable of the Africa Faith Actors Network for Climate Justice (AFAN_CJ) held in Nairobi from August 27th to 29th. The young delegates engaged in robust discussions on climate finance, carbon markets, and nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and developed a youth statement, which was adopted into the official statement of the AFAN-CJ.
The youth participants emphasized the importance of interfaith collaboration and youth leadership in addressing climate change. They called for faith-based advocacy to promote environmental stewardship and accountability. The meeting also highlighted the challenges of accessing climate finance and the need for equitable burden-sharing. Participants discussed the impact of the debt crisis on Africa’s ability to address climate change and emphasized the importance of youth involvement in political processes.
In addition, the meeting also highlighted the need for innovative solutions, capacity building, partnerships, and a long-term vision for climate action in Africa. Participants emphasized the importance of exploring creative and culturally relevant approaches to climate action, tailored to the specific needs and contexts of different communities. They also recognized the need for training programs to equip young people and faith actors with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively address climate change.
The Youth key ask for COP29 from faith community is
- Framing climate financing demands that directly invest into youth; financing for both adaptation and mitigation to address youth needs and create clear timelines for these commitments
- Strategy to protect children and youth on climate migration through creating legal frameworks at country and regional level
As the world prepares for COP29, the youth statement serves as a powerful call for action. It urges governments, corporations, and faith leaders to prioritize climate justice and support the efforts of young people to build a sustainable future for all.
Participants’ quotes and photos
Busiswa Dlamini (Climate YES – ESWATINI)
The generation before us has done well in getting us on the table, what youth now need is structural support, mentorship, capacity and technical development while on these tables so that their actions can be significant and impactful.
Augustine Muema (Climate YES – KENYA)
Establishing a good partnership between the young and older generations, faith actors and the media will help amplify the efforts in the fight against climate change and it’s impacts.
Resty Nabaggala (Climate YES – UGANDA)
In addressing climate change, young people being the most affected by it’s aftermaths should be treated as partners in all processes to effectively and intentionally participate in the recovery of their future.
Collins Lungu (Climate YES – ZAMBIA)
Young people make up the biggest populations of Africa including our churches. If young people don’t get the biggest part of this climate finance, that is corruption in itself.