Youth are vital for Climate Justice- Samira Bawumia

By Selorm GBORBIDZI & Zeenatu ABUBAKAR, Accra

Second Lady Hajia Samira Bawumia, has passionately advocated for the active involvement of the youth in the global efforts to combat climate change.

Hajia Samira Bawumia highlighted the indispensable role of the youth in steering the planet towards a sustainable and resilient future.

Samira Bawumia, who chairs the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), emphasized that the youth are not just leaders for tomorrow but are the architects of transformative actions taking place today.

She highlighted the pivotal role that African youth can play in revolutionizing the continent’s approach to climate change challenges.

Speaking at the AFRIWOCC Pre-COP Youth Climate Dialogue and Innovation Exhibition, Mrs. Bawumia emphasized that the youth are not just leaders of tomorrow but architects of today’s transformative actions.

Mrs. Bawumia stressed the critical role of the youth in climate action, acknowledging their unique energy, creativity, and determination.

She highlighted the urgency of addressing environmental challenges and noted that recent climate-related disasters worldwide serve as stark reminders of the need for urgent action.

Acknowledging Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, Mrs. Bawumia urged the youth to leverage their unique perspective and embrace change.

She encouraged African youth to revolutionize the continent’s approach to climate challenges, from sustainable energy solutions to eco-friendly innovations.

Mrs. Bawumia expressed her excitement about the presence of many young leaders gathered to discuss climate change, sustainable development, and gender-related issues affecting women and children in the African context. The exhibition showcased innovative climate solutions developed by young Africans.

She emphasized the importance of practical steps, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to actively shape the future.

Mrs. Bawumia challenged participants to view the event not as a mere conference but as a commitment to lead the charge in climate action and be the visionaries, solution architects, and ambassadors of change.

She said that by emphasizing the importance of ensuring climate justice for Africa, with women and girls leading the way.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing scientific research in the field of climate change.

She stressed the importance of addressing climate change as a global concern and emphasized the role of African youth in shaping the discourse on climate-related issues.

Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, the Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, emphasized the impact of decisions taken today on the well-being of future generations.

He stressed the need to empower and provide tools to the youth to effectively fight climate change, noting that they are leaders not just for tomorrow but for today.

Amer Jamil al Alawi, the Charge d’Affairs at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy to Ghana, emphasized the urgency of environmental stewardship, stating that there is no Planet B.

The UAE is set to host the next Conference of the Partners (COP) 28 event next month, further highlighting the global commitment to addressing climate challenges.

The event, held at the West Africa Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana, focused on the theme “Youth in Climate Action.”

AFRIWOCC serves as a platform to address issues affecting women, youth, and children in Africa and coordinate a network of organizations focused on these groups.

The conference underscored the urgency of amplifying the voices of women and children in the face of the climate crisis, emphasizing the need to move beyond rhetoric and translate commitments into tangible actions.

The Pre-COP Youth Climate Dialogue and Innovation Exhibition aimed to harness the creativity, passion, and determination of the youth to address climate change.

The event sought to provide a platform for African youth to voice their perspectives, share innovative ideas, and collaboratively address climate change, sustainable development, and gender-related issues.

The outcomes from the forum are expected to contribute to COP 28 in Dubai.