In a historic step forward, the African Regional Youth Statement for 2024, unveiled in Rabat, Morocco, has cemented itself as a cornerstone for youth-led climate advocacy on the continent. This milestone document reflects the collective voices of young Africans demanding decisive climate action, addressing equity, and championing sustainability. At the heart of this movement are youth climate activists empowered by YOTA to spearhead Local Conferences of Youth (LCOYs) across Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone, and participate actively in the RCOY 2024, laying the groundwork for this regional consensus.
Delegates at LCOY Sierra Leone 2024
The African Regional Youth Statement underscores several critical themes central to addressing the continent’s climate challenges. It calls for equitable access to climate finance, emphasizing the need for policies that not only prioritize sustainability but also promote social justice through the creation of green jobs. The statement highlights the importance of community-led solutions in building climate resilience, advocating for the integration of indigenous knowledge as a vital resource.
Furthermore, it stresses the necessity of institutionalizing youth participation in climate policy cycles, fostering intergenerational collaboration and ensuring equitable representation in decision-making. Recognizing the profound connection between climate and public health, the statement also urges significant investment in climate-resilient healthcare systems to address the emerging health challenges posed by the changing environment. Together, these priorities represent a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development driven by youth leadership.
Delegates at LCOY The Gambia 2024
The statement emphasizes the urgency of the climate crisis in Africa, a continent disproportionately affected despite being among the least contributors to global emissions. Among some of its key demands, it calls for governments, organizations, and international stakeholders to:
- Enhance access to climate finance, particularly for youth-led initiatives.
- Invest in green jobs and transformative economies, ensuring inclusivity for marginalized communities.
- Prioritize adaptation and resilience strategies tailored to local contexts.
- Center human rights, particularly for children and migrants, within climate policies.
The preparation of the African Regional Youth Statement was a collaborative process, integrating insights from virtual consultations, workshops, and data collected from across 54 African countries.
Delegates at the LCOY Nigeria 2024
In line with their efforts toward climate action, YOTA played a crucial role by enabling grassroots youth activists to organize LCOYs in their regions. These events empowered young people to articulate their climate concerns and solutions, fostering a sense of ownership in global climate discourse.
With the momentum generated at the Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) Africa 2024, the youth statement will serve as a key advocacy tool at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. It underscores the necessity of placing African youth at the forefront of climate negotiations and ensuring their solutions are embedded in global frameworks.
