Learning from young leaders: solving global climate challenges

The future is for and about young people. In Africa, close to 50 per cent of the population is below the age of 18. We must see climate action as an opportunity to deliver jobs, opportunities and economic security for this large and dynamic generation. We must think ahead about how we are going to empower them with the skills, training, and technology necessary to make lasting change, and meaningful progress in the fight against climate change. We need to think about the development of enabled conditions for revitalised youth and civic participation in decision-making. Additionally, building climate resilience, protecting forests, improving governance, empowering women and children, and ensuring clean energy growth in Africa will be a cornerstone in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Africa’s future will be shaped by young African leaders who think differently, and are committed to break boundaries, and to do hard things. Therefore, how can we build local leaders to solve global climate challenges?

This session will take place in the form of a fireside discussion. The facilitator will facilitate an informal discussion guided by six questions (50 min discussion).

1. When looking at Africa’s future, experts often cite the continent’s large, growing young population as an asset. How we are going to empower them with the skills, training, and technology necessary to make lasting change, and meaningful progress in the fight against climate?
2. What does Africa’s young leadership mean for the continent’s future?
3. Many of Africa’s brightest students are educated in the US or Europe. The problem is that they often don’t return, seeking their fortunes in places where conducting business and finding investment are easier. How will we stop that happening?
4. To see tangible improvements in the livelihoods of all Africans, there is a need to finance to flow to these projects. What actions do you believe are necessary to make this happen?
5. How can local governments play a part in strengthening the voices of women and young people in shaping local climate action?
6. How can we actively bringing this important urban ‘community’ together with local governments to achieve climate action at scale within city regions?

This session will be run as part of the Scaling up and Empowering Movements for Climate Change Advocacy (SEMCCA) project, which draws stakeholders together for co-learning about how to influence policy and promote climate advocacy. As such, emergent discussions will help inform the principles needed for enabling conditions for revitalised civic and social participation.

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