The African Youth Climate Assembly congregates in Nairobi

Nairobi

Friday, September 1, 2023

KNA by Bernadette Khaduli

The African Youth Climate Assembly (AYCA), the official youth engagement mechanism of the Africa Climate Summit commenced September 1st to Sunday 3rd 2023 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The Assembly hosted by the AYCA and officially opened by President William Ruto is attended by the African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina and other high level dignitaries from the continent.

African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba said the Assembly will be inclusive and brings together a diverse cohort of young leaders, activists, innovators and change-makers from across Africa under the theme ‘African-led Solutions to Global Challenges’ which will serve as a rallying point on the climate-related vulnerabilities faced by African countries.

Speaking at a press conference at the Africa Climate Summit Secretariat office in Nairobi Thursday, Mpemba said the Assembly which has over 1000 youth representatives from 54 countries in Africa will also highlight the region's substantial contributions to global climate solution.

“This Assembly emphasizes the need for collaborative and immediate action, reflecting the urgency echoed in international climate agreements,” said Mpemba.

She announced that the assembly also intends to use the forum to formulate the Africa Youth Declaration in line with the African Union’s Climate change and Resilient Development Strategy Action Plan 2022-2032.

The Youth Declaration is a representation of youth voices from across Africa , highlighting key issues and solutions by African youth on climate change and will be presented to the African Union and heads of states and governments’ at the Africa Climate Summit which commences on September 4th to September 6th 2023.

“The Youth Climate Assembly will continue to push the narrative through the preceding climate moments that include the United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Secretary General Climate Ambition Summit, COP28 in the United Arab Emirates and the African Union Heads of States Assembly in February 2024,” she stated.

AYCA Innovations Lead Mr. Paul Kaluki said climate change remains one of the most pressing issues for the youth, believing that the diverse challenges and opportunities facing different regions will bring together young leaders, innovators, activists and thinkers from all the corners of the continent.

“They will create space for collaboration, education and action,” said Kaluki and added that the assembly aims to plant the seeds for a sustainable future where the continent leads the way in combating climate change.

The objectives of the Africa youth Climate Assembly include providing a platform where the African youth and children will amplify their voices, exchange innovative ideas, strategies and solutions on climate change, showcase solutions, contributions to sustainable development and environmental protection and policy influence where they will advocate for effective climate policies that prioritize the needs and aspirations of African communities.

Courtesy ; K. N. A