Samira Bawumia, the wife of the Vice President and Chairperson of the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), recently underscored the pivotal role African youth can play in revolutionizing the continent’s response to climate change challenges.
During her speech at the AFRIWOCC Pre-COP Youth Climate Dialogue and Innovation Exhibition on November 21, Mrs. Bawumia stated, “The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of today’s transformative actions.”
Addressing attendees at the West Africa Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana, she expressed her excitement at seeing young leaders gathered to discuss climate change, sustainable development, and gender-related issues in the African context. The event also featured an exhibition of innovative climate solutions developed by young Africans.
According to a report by Daily Graphic, Mrs Bawumia emphasized their commitment to leveraging the youth’s unique energy, creativity, and determination in the global climate movement. She highlighted the world’s critical environmental challenges, which require innovative ideas and solutions.
“The recent climate-related disasters globally remind us of the urgency of our actions,” she added, affirming that the youth, as changemakers and advocates, have a unique role in altering the discourse and shaping policies for our planet’s future.
The Pre-COP Youth Climate Dialogue and Innovation Exhibition, she noted, presents an opportunity to utilize the youth’s creativity and passion in addressing climate change. The discussions aimed to focus on practical steps, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts, ensuring active youth participation in shaping the future.
Recognizing the African continent’s vibrant youth and rich cultural diversity, Mrs Bawumia also acknowledged its vulnerability to climate change impacts. “Our youth have a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to embrace change. It is time to harness this power for our planet,” she said, expressing optimism about Africa’s youth potential in revolutionizing climate change approaches.
Mrs Bawumia reiterated the event’s goal 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 affecting women and children in Africa.
She encouraged young participants to view the event as a commitment to leading climate action, not just a conference. “You are here to be visionaries, solution architects, and ambassadors of change,” she challenged them, looking forward to shaping outcomes at COP 28 in Dubai.
The Chair and Convener of AFRIWOCC commended the event’s sponsors, including the National Petroleum Authority, Energy Commission, and Fidelity Bank Ghana, for their dedication to empowering youth in climate action.
“Together, we can reshape Africa’s destiny, protect our planet, and ensure climate justice for Africa, with women and girls leading the way,” the Second Lady concluded.
AFRIWOCC serves as a platform to discuss issues affecting women, youth, and children in Africa and coordinates a network focused on these groups. The conference, held in August, amplified the voices of women and children in the climate crisis, highlighting the importance of moving from rhetoric to tangible actions for a sustainable future.
