Side event in the Margins of the 37th AU Summit Empowering Voices: Youth-Driven Climate Resilience for Peace in Africa

On 15 February 2024, the FES AU Cooperation Office and IPSS co-organized a side event titled "Empowering Voices: Youth-Driven Climate Resilience for Peace in Africa" in Addis Ababa. This event aimed to empower African youth in shaping the future of the continent in the face of climate change.

Recognizing the youth as the architects of change, the event provided a dedicated space for dynamic discussions on countering climate insecurities and fostering sustainable peace. Through the lens of Africa's youth, innovative solutions were explored and their voices were amplified in the climate and peace discourse.

Esteemed panelists, including Mr. Sam Ogwal, IGAD Youth Envoy from Uganda, Miss. Anita Soina, Kenyan climate activist and MP candidate, and Mr. Humphrey Mrema, a youth climate advocate from Tanzania, shared their perspectives on the role of youth in fostering peace and stability and tackling climate challenges.

During the event, engaging dialogue focused on key questions such as effective youth-led initiatives at the community level, scaling up innovative strategies shared by youth climate activists, collaboration with policymakers for climate-resilient policies, and impactful grassroots initiatives.

The event aimed to engage a diverse audience, including AU and Government Officials, Youth Leaders and Climate Activists, Academia, and CSOs, prioritizing the engagement and empowerment of African youth.

Providing outcomes, the event increased awareness among African youth about interconnected challenges posed by climate change and security. It offered insights into innovative strategies for countering climate insecurities, strengthened collaboration between stakeholders, highlighted the importance of youth-led initiatives, and deliberated on actionable steps towards resilience, youth participation, and sustainable peace.

The event envisioned a future where African youth actively contribute to and lead the discourse on climate resilience and peace-building in alignment with Agenda 2063.