Young African climate justice activists commit to support states in climate action

Rwanda: Young African Climate Justice Leaders have pledged to assist governments and stakeholders in African Union (AU) member states in unifying, enhancing, improving, and maximising investments in climate action in Africa.

According to a Communique issued by the African Youth Conference on Climate Justice (AYCCJ), which was held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of States and Governments Conference (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, African Youth Organizations and networks commit to uniting on environmental protection and other climate change sectors, contributing to climate change education to peers, and gathering and publishing true and reliable documents on loss and damages incurred by the African Member States.

“We commit to support and collaborate with governments, youth organisations and other like-minded institutions to ensure that youth representatives undertake discussions around climate change and its effects with full information and legitimacy. The few young people at the table should speak for many young people in Africa,” notes the Communique addressed to AU Member states.

Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) together with other Partners organised the Youth Conference under the Theme “The Youth Aspirations for COP27 and Beyond, Our common Goal Future: Galvanising the Voice and Actions of Youth on Climate Justice.” in preparation for a Sail to COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt and the conference was held from 22 to 23 June at Club House La Palisse in Nyamata , Rwanda.

The conference focused on assessing the status of climate action in Africa, building capacity and empowering young people on UNFCCC and COP negotiations and processes, Africa Priorities and Road Map to COP27, developing a networking platform and long-term partnerships between young networks and various organisations working to achieve climate justice, and identifying strategies and methodologies for young people in Africa to meet climate justice objectives.

The CHOGM began on Tuesday, June 21, and is currently underway in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together Heads of State and Governments to discuss key issues such as Climate Change, Health, Education, and Technology, among others, to ensure African Social-Economic Development.