At the UN Climate Summit last Thursday in Dubai, African government leaders vowed to strongly encourage young leadership in laying out a sustainable future for the continent.
The endorsements were made during the debut of a new initiative by the nonprofit organization Green Energy Mission Africa (GEMA), which aims to encourage young people in Africa to get involved in the continent’s transition to renewable energy.
Young Africans will be given the information, skills, and opportunity to alleviate energy poverty and advance the goals of renewable energy through the YouthVoltAfrica program, which was unveiled during COP28.
Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Development, emphasized the historic importance of including more young people in the climate agenda.
“The YouthVoltAfrica project’s debut is a critical turning point in our dedication to enabling African youth.
Dr. Salisu Dahiru, the director-general of the National Climate Change Council (NCCC), also matched Nigeria’s objectives with the requirement that young people take the lead in sustainability planning.
“Climate change mitigation calls for creative solutions.
“The YouthVoltAfrica initiative empowers youngsters to be active contributors to sustainable development, which is in line with our aims at the National Climate Change Council.
This program not only addresses energy poverty but also emphasizes how critical young leadership is to ensuring that Africa has a resilient and low-carbon future. We are dedicated to assisting programs that promote environmental stewardship and constructive change.
“The YouthVoltAfrica initiative is being launched in conjunction with UNFCCC COP28, an internationally renowned forum for debating the problems and solutions related to climate change.
By giving them access to opportunities, information, and skills, we are building a sustainable Africa where the youth will be essential in determining the direction of a more successful and environmentally friendly future.
“Let’s go on this journey of change together, where the energy transition becomes a catalyst for sustainable development and empowerment.”