African youth call for bold climate action to protect their future

Baku, Azerbaijan, 19 November 2024 (ECA) - In the words of Beza Melaku Mandefro, a youth delegate at COP29, "When you invest in a child, you're not gifting - you're building." The poet from Ethiopia spoke for millions of African children whose futures are shaped daily by the worsening impacts of climate change.

The session, co-hosted by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and UNICEF, highlighted the urgent need for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that prioritize children's rights and address their unique vulnerabilities.

NDCs are national climate action plans that countries submit under the Paris Agreement, outlining their commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. These plans are critical for achieving global climate goals, but many fail to address the needs of children, particularly in Africa.

"This is a decisive moment, a time to ensure that the rights and needs of every child are boldly and unmistakably reflected in the next generation of NDCs," said Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist of the ECA.

She emphasized that NDCs must include concrete actions such as solarizing schools, providing clean cooking solutions, and constructing energy-efficient infrastructure. "These measures do more than mitigate climate impacts - they bring hope and investment to communities," Ms. Morsy added.

She also highlighted the need for child-sensitive NDCs to go beyond mitigation, addressing adaptation and resilience while fulfilling obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Kitty van der Heijden, Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships at UNICEF, described the devastating toll of climate change on children, stating "Heatwaves increase stillbirths and reduce breast milk supply, while prolonged droughts force families into early child marriage." Ms. van der Heijden stressed that "Climate change impacts everyone, but poor children, especially in Africa, are always hit the hardest."

She noted that most African NDCs fail to explicitly reference children's rights despite the continent being home to the majority of the world's youth. "We need a new generation of NDCs that is not 'child-blind," Ms. van der Heijden urged.

The urgency of the situation was reiterated by young people demanding action. "Children are not only inheriting this planet; they are shaping it," said Zandisile Howe, a YOUNGO representative and member of Eswatini's Climate Change Youth Parliament.

Ms Howe urged governments to recognize young people as equal partners in crafting climate solutions, citing youth-led initiatives in Ethiopia and Djibouti as evidence of their impact.

Ms. Mandefro, through her poetry, gave voice to the millions of young girls across Africa who bear the brunt of climate change but are excluded from the rooms where decisions about their futures are made. She painted a poignant picture of children forced out of school, their lives disrupted by droughts and floods.

"Her world is shrinking. Her dreams fade with every decision made without her voice," Ms. Mandefro lamented.

The session also highlighted Africa's demographic advantage as the youngest continent. By 2040, Africa is expected to have the world's largest workforce. "Young people have the potential to drive innovation and climate entrepreneurship," Ms. Morsy said.

The ECA Chief Economist cited Stella Kabiri-Marial, a Ugandan innovator supported by ECA's Climate Research for Development Programme, who developed green nitrogen technology for low-cost fertilizers. "Her work exemplifies the transformative power of empowering Africa's youth," said Ms. Morsy.

The discussions concluded with a call for governments and global partners to close the gaps in funding and representation for children. "This isn't just policy, it's humanity," Ms. Mandefro said. "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?"

Ms. Morsy left attendees with a powerful quote from Nelson Mandela: "There is no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way it treats its children." For many in the room, this was both a call to action and a moment of reflection.

Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
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