This initiative aimed to harness the momentum ignited by the Africa Climate Summit 2023 (ACS) to reaffirm the inaugurated AYCA Nairobi Youth Declaration, as well as the youth of Africa's commitment to climate-positive growth as the continent heads into COP 28.

"After the resounding success of the African Youth Climate Assembly that united over 800 dynamic young minds from over 40 nations, it is imperative that we build on this momentum as we look forward to COP 28," says the African Youth Climate Assembly secretariat.

"Our focus remains steadfast on cultivating a more resilient Africa, where the largest demographic, our youth, are active participants and treated as shareholders. The assembly showcased the unwavering resilience and dedication of young Africans, underscoring their commitment to partake in pivotal decision-making processes and contribute to the green growth agenda as outlined in the African Youth Climate Assembly Declaration," adds the secretariat.

"As we eagerly anticipate COP 28 and beyond, let us reshape the narrative, highlighting young people as solution architects armed with innovative, creative and sustainable ideas that merit scaling up and robust support for greater impact," the secretariat says. 

Through authentic storytelling, the creative arts and open dialogue, this gathering offered an opportune moment for partners across government, the private sector, civil society and youth groups to unite and exchange insights and thoughts on enhancing youth-led initiatives for impactful climate action, Crtve Development says. 

"Boasting the world's youngest populace of over 400 million, Africa is a realm of unmatched potential and ambition. With a wealth of clean energy resources, arable land, vital minerals and among the fastest-growing economies globally, it stands as a pivotal element in the global solution to climate change," says Dr Okito Wedi, founder and CEO of Crtve Development.

"Yet, the role of African youth in forging a sustainable and resilient continent is not fully utilised, and impending climate issues pose a challenge to their empowerment. Thus, the intertwined potential of Africa and its youth is a latent treasure needing global recognition and nurturing," Wedi adds. 

Crtve Development says that the successes of the Africa Climate Summit and the preceding Africa Youth Climate Assembly have been remarkable, bringing together climate actors from across the continent and highlighting the crucial role of youth in the fight against climate change.

"As we approach COP 28 and beyond, it is essential to recognise and empower young climate leaders with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to develop and implement African-led solutions to the global climate crisis," says the agency. 

In the lead-up to COP 28, the urgency for collective global actions against climate change has been amplified, leading to the inception of the African Youth Declaration.

"This declaration brings together diverse African youth voices to demand sustainable change and actively participate in global environmental policy-making processes as COP 28 approaches. It prominently champions the creation of green jobs for youth, offering a potent solution to the dual crisis of high youth unemployment rates in Africa and growing climate threats," Crtve Development says. 

According to the agency, green jobs harness the youth's creativity, energy and innovative capabilities, converting them into impactful solutions for our climate challenges. These jobs also provide an avenue to alleviate Africa's high youth unemployment rates.

Crtve development adds that the need to equip African youth with skills suitable for green economies through education and training programmes also features strongly in the declaration. By incorporating green job concepts into educational curriculums and promoting climate change literacy, young Africans can further refine their skills in low-carbon sectors resulting in a shift towards renewable energy and sustainable development.

The African Youth Declaration, therefore, calls for increased youth involvement in environmental policy-making from grassroots to global stages leading up to COP 28, emphasising the pivotal role of green jobs in transitioning towards environmental sustainability, the agency says. 

"It is very explicit in our foreign and development policy that Denmark has the ambition to assume leadership and strengthen action to accelerate green and energy transition and support climate change adaptation. Youth is key in this transition: Youth are the majority and the future in Africa, and you can count on Denmark to support you," says The Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya. 

Crtve Development says it was honoured to have H.E. Stephan Schønemann, Danish Ambassador to Kenya, set the stage with an opening address, followed by an insightful keynote by Ambassador Ali Mohamed, special envoy for Climate Change for Kenya.

The heart of the evening featured a moderated conversation with prominent figures in the climate arena, including:
  • Ambassador Ali Mohamed
  • Eng. Festus K. Ng'eno
  • Ambassador Kassim M.J. Mwawado, and
  • Cherop Soy.

Adding to the dynamic programme, a powerful video screening spotlighted the voices of inspiring youth activists from across the region, says the agency. 

The event further engaged the audience with a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for in-depth discussions and inquiries. Attendees were invited to connect and share their perspectives over networking and refreshments, fostering collaboration and unity for a sustainable future, concludes Crtve Development. 

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