International Youth Day 2024: Youth Empowerment and Climate Action Across Africa
In observance of International Youth Day, celebrated globally under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” young leaders across Africa have taken significant strides toward climate action and sustainable development. Their collective efforts are shaping a future where digital innovation meets environmental stewardship.
In Djibouti, the inaugural National Youth Forum on Climate Justice took place from August 10-11, 2024. Held as a precursor to International Youth Day, the forum was themed “Youth and Climate Justice: How Can Young People Contribute to a Sustainable and Positive Social Impact?” The event provided a dynamic platform for Djiboutian youth to engage in constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving regarding climate challenges.
Organized by the Djibouti Youth Movement One and Indivisible, in partnership with the Pan-African Alliance for Climate Justice and the Social Change Factory, the forum aimed to unite youth organizations, movements, coalitions, and civil society actors. By addressing various aspects of climate justice, the forum facilitated knowledge sharing, training, and the development of innovative, youth-led solutions. The event concluded with the Youth Commitment Declaration, a pledge by the participants to actively pursue climate justice and sustainability initiatives.
In Egypt, the “Youth Loves Egypt Foundation,” in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, held a three-day interactive workshop from August 10-12, 2024. This workshop, organized in coordination with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and the ACSEA Alliance, focused on enhancing the capacities of civil society organizations in project design and climate adaptation finance.
The workshop provided 30 participants, including members of the PACJA platform in Egypt, with essential skills for developing and funding climate adaptation projects. The sessions covered the fundamentals of project design, fundraising mechanisms, implementation strategies, and evaluation plans. Through these activities, the workshop aimed to empower participants to effectively contribute to climate change adaptation efforts.
In Somalia, the Centre for Climate Change and Land Restoration (CCCLR) organized a one-day workshop on August 12, 2024, titled “Climate Justice for Youth Activists.” The workshop was designed to equip young activists with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for climate justice and share insights from the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice IV.
Facilitated by experts Aden Ahmed Hassan, Mawliid M. Ahmed, and Abdikadir Saabir, the workshop emphasized the importance of effective climate activism and provided a platform for sharing experiences and strategies. CCCLR, a non-profit dedicated to sustainable land use and climate resilience, continues to support youth in their quest for climate justice.
As International Youth Day 2024 comes to a close, the events across Djibouti, Egypt, and Somalia highlight the growing role of young people in advancing climate action and sustainable development. Through workshops, forums, and collaborative efforts, these young leaders are harnessing their digital skills and innovative ideas to drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future. Their dedication underscores the crucial role of youth in addressing global challenges and shaping a better world.