Climate YES South Africa NDCs Workshop
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Youth Capacity Building Workshop
Rosebank, Johannesburg | 23 November 2024
The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Youth Capacity Building Workshop, hosted by the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) on 23 November 2024 in Rosebank, Johannesburg, brought together young climate leaders from across South Africa. The event provided a critical platform to deepen youth understanding of South Africa’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, with a focus on empowering them to drive community-level action and advance the country’s Just Transition. Members of ClimateYES Southern Africa attended, alongside representatives from denominations such as the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church in Southern Africa, and Every Nation Bryanston.
Through expert presentations and engaging sessions, the workshop met its core objectives of enhancing participants’ knowledge of climate change, unpacking the intricacies of South Africa’s NDCs, and exploring the youth’s role in implementing climate policies. Attendees gained valuable insights into the strategies and targets underpinning South Africa’s climate commitments, leaving with a stronger understanding of how they could contribute to national and community-level climate action. The interactive format of the workshop further encouraged robust dialogue, allowing youth to share innovative solutions and raise critical questions about climate challenges.
The event was particularly successful in fostering a sense of empowerment among participants. Presentations on key climate policies and the importance of climate finance sparked considerable interest and provided a foundation for meaningful discussions. The open engagement during Q&A sessions enabled attendees to propose actionable ideas for implementing NDCs, underscoring the potential of youth-driven solutions. However, some questions, including those from ClimateYES members, remained unanswered due to the specialized focus of the presenters, highlighting the need for broader expertise in future workshops.
Key reflections from the workshop included a thought-provoking challenge to participants: Are we changing ourselves to align with the environment, or do we expect the environment to adapt to us? This question underscored the ethical and behavioural shifts needed to address the climate crisis effectively. Additionally, the discussions emphasized the critical role of climate finance as a driver for achieving NDC targets, particularly in supporting vulnerable sectors and communities. Participants also highlighted the importance of capacitating youth to lead climate projects and contribute to community development, reinforcing the idea that young people must be at the forefront of the Just Transition.
Looking ahead, the workshop offered valuable recommendations to enhance future engagements. These include inviting a wider range of specialized experts to address diverse topics comprehensively, incorporating virtual participation to expand accessibility, and creating follow-up materials or sessions to address unanswered questions. By implementing these improvements, the PCC can ensure even greater impact in empowering youth to take meaningful action in the fight against climate change.
This workshop was a milestone for youth climate engagement in South Africa, leaving attendees both inspired and equipped to lead initiatives in their communities. ClimateYES remains committed to supporting such transformative experiences as we collectively work toward a just and sustainable future.