Africa -Consultation on Meaningful Youth Engagement in NDCs

Hello Zipporah,
Thank you for the warm welcome! I’m excited to be part of this timely and important conversation. As a young climate advocate from Ghana, I’ve observed that while youth are often mentioned in climate discussions, we are rarely meaningfully included in the actual decision-making and implementation of NDCs.

This space offers a great opportunity to change that narrative. I look forward to learning from others, sharing insights, and contributing to how we can better position young people especially those at the grassroots in national climate action.

Thank you once again for facilitating this vital dialogue!

Roselyn Ntim
Welcome to the consultation, to reiterate your words this space offers a chance for young people to express their ideas on how to address existing issues hindering youth engagements in NDCs. And would love to here your ideas too ;to the guiding questions
1. What are the most pressing climate challenges for young people in your country, and which sectors should be prioritized to address their needs
2.What are the key challenges preventing young people from actively participating in the NDC process, and what barriers exist between youth and government collaboration?
3.How can NDCs be designed to genuinely reflect youth priorities, and what roles should young people play in shaping, implementing, and monitoring them?
4. What policies, resources, and partnerships are needed to ensure meaningful youth participation in NDCs, and how can governments and stakeholders better support this?

Zipporah Njenga Hello Zipporah, thank you for facilitating this important discussion. I’m happy to share my thoughts on the guiding questions:

1. Pressing Climate Challenges & Priority Sectors:
In Ghana, young people are especially affected by climate-related impacts on agriculture, flooding, water scarcity, and rising unemployment due to environmental degradation. The sectors that should be prioritized include:
Sustainable Agriculture
Water and Sanitation
Renewable Energy
Green Jobs and Skills Training

2. Barriers to Youth Participation in NDCs:

Lack of awareness and education on NDC processes.

Limited access to policy spaces and decision-makers.

Youth voices are often tokenized rather than genuinely integrated.

Insufficient funding for youth-led climate initiatives.

3. Making NDCs Reflect Youth Priorities:

Involve youth from the start in NDC design and consultations.

Create youth-led working groups in each sector.

Include youth in monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Highlight youth contributions as indicators of progress.

4. Policies, Resources, and Partnerships Needed:

National policies that mandate youth inclusion in climate governance.

Capacity-building programs and climate education in schools.

Direct funding opportunities for youth-led projects.

Stronger partnerships between youth groups, government agencies, and civil society.

Youth are not just beneficiaries, we are innovators and partners. With proper inclusion, we can accelerate the achievement of climate goals in Ghana and across Africa.

Hi Zipporah,

I'm Ogwal Bonny Emmanuel, a visionary mentor and a leader devoted to Africa's future. I am a founder of Humanity Horizons in Uganda; it is my pleasure to meet you here.

Ogwal Bonny Emmanuel Hello Sir, it's a pleasure to meet you on this platform. Lets connect: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-yosia-zirintusa

Welcome Théodore TOYI MIREFU

Hello Théodore, Pleasure meeting you too and welcome to the discussion.
Looking forward to further engagements especially around Economic policies..
In your opinion are the economic policies in your country consistent with the current NDCs?

Hello, I'm Stephen Mensah-Apenteng from Ghana. As I reflect on the pressing issue of climate change, I'm reminded of the devastating impact it has on vulnerable populations, particularly refugees. The UNHCR has highlighted the deplorable conditions in refugee camps, which are often exacerbated by unfavorable climate shocks.

Globally, about 47 million children are affected by climate-related displacement, and this number is expected to rise. Refugee camps in countries like Kenya, hosting some of the world's largest refugee camps, Kakuma and Dadaab, are exposed to climate hazards at an alarming rate.

Climate change not only destroys livelihoods but also triggers displacement, conflict, and health threats. For instance, overcrowding and pollution in refugee camps can lead to water-borne diseases like cholera and diarrhea. Moreover, the lack of sustainable energy access in these camps can have severe consequences, including deforestation, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

To address this challenge, there must be cohesiveness among governments, aid agencies, and humanitarian organizations. We need to work together to provide sustainable solutions, such as renewable energy, climate-resilient shelters, and climate-smart livelihoods.

Ultimately, climate change is a global issue that requires a collective response. We must prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, like refugees, and work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Stephen Mensah-Apenteng
Hello and welcome to the discussion. Thank you for sharing insights on the devastating effects of climate change on vulnerable communities. To further focus this discussion on the various facets of youth engagement in NDCs, I'd like to pose a few questions and looking forward to your responses

1. What are the most pressing climate challenges for young people in your country, and which sectors should be prioritized to address their needs
2.What are the key challenges preventing young people from actively participating in the NDC process, and what barriers exist between youth and government collaboration?
3.How can NDCs be designed to genuinely reflect youth priorities, and what roles should young people play in shaping, implementing, and monitoring them?
4. What policies, resources, and partnerships are needed to ensure meaningful youth participation in NDCs, and how can governments and stakeholders better support this?

Zipporah Njenga

1. The most pressing climate challenges for young people in Ghana include flooding, erosion, and water insecurity, which impact their livelihoods and future prospects.

2. The key challenges preventing young people from actively participating in the NDC process are limited awareness, insufficient capacity, and limited intergenerational collaboration.

3. To genuinely reflect youth priorities, NDCs should involve young people in decision-making processes, prioritize youth-focused initiatives, and foster intergenerational collaboration.

4. To ensure meaningful youth participation in NDCs, governments and stakeholders should provide capacity-building programs, establish youth-focused platforms, and foster partnerships and collaborations to support youth-led climate initiatives.

Glad to have you here Chinoza Eze, we look forward to also engaging with everyone here.

Thank you, Chinoza, for your inspiring introduction and your commitment to sustainability in Guinea-Bissau! Your energy and passion for youth engagement in climate action are truly motivating.

I completely agree that youth are not just future leaders — they are vital now. Your work with Renoverde Reciclagem is a great example of how young people are already shaping innovative, community-driven solutions.

To build on your message and deepen this important conversation, I’d love to hear your thoughts on a few key questions:

How can we strengthen youth-led accountability for sustainable development?
What are some successful models or practices you've seen where youth have been at the center of monitoring or driving progress?

What more needs to be done to invest in essential public services that young people need such as education, employment, and healthcare?
From your perspective in Guinea-Bissau, what are the biggest gaps, and how can international cooperation support local solutions?

How can we address current disparities and inequalities in our global economic system?
What role can African youth play in reshaping the narrative and advocating for more just and inclusive systems?

Looking forward to hearing your insights and continuing this powerful exchange of ideas!😊

Adnan Masry
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your words of encouragement.
I completely agree—youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are active change-makers today. Strengthening youth-led accountability starts with access to information, strong networks, and meaningful inclusion in decision-making. Platforms like Youth Climate Councils and citizen-driven data initiatives have shown how young people can monitor and push for real progress.

In Guinea-Bissau, the biggest gaps in essential services are education, employment, and healthcare. Many young people lack access to quality training and job opportunities. Investing in entrepreneurship, vocational training, and digital skills could be game-changers. International cooperation can help by supporting locally-driven solutions rather than imposing external models.

Another major challenge is the language barrier, which limits access to critical information on climate change and injustice. Many young people in Guinea-Bissau don’t fully understand the urgency of these issues because much of the information is not available in local languages. To bridge this gap, we need more climate education in native languages, accessible communication tools, and community-led awareness programs.

As for global economic inequalities, African youth have a huge role in reshaping narratives, advocating for fairer trade policies, and building sustainable local economies. By fostering pan-African collaboration and innovation, we can create more just and inclusive systems.

Looking forward to hearing more perspectives on this!

Hello Gibrilla!
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the vital role young people can play in shaping Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). You’ve highlighted some key challenges and opportunities for youth engagement in climate action.
To explore this further:
Can you share specific examples of how extreme weather events, food insecurity, or other climate challenges have impacted your community? How have young people in your region responded to these challenges so far?

You mentioned the need for greater access to decision-making processes. What forms of engagement would you find most effective? Would it be through advisory councils, participatory workshops, or perhaps digital platforms?
What policy reforms do you believe are most urgently needed to ensure youth perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into NDCs? Are there any successful models or case studies from other regions that could inspire your government’s approach?

You emphasized the importance of green jobs and climate education. In your view, what specific training or capacity-building programs would best equip young people to contribute to renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or water management sectors

Looking ahead, how would you envision a more inclusive and youth-centered NDC process ? What would success look like for you in the fight against climate change?

Zipporah Njenga
Hello Zipporah,
Thank you for engaging with my insights! I appreciate the opportunity to expand on these critical issues, particularly in the context of Sierra Leone and youth involvement in climate action.

Impact of Climate Challenges in Sierra Leone
Climate change poses severe threats to Sierra Leone, with rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, coastal erosion, deforestation, and extreme weather events causing devastating effects. The 2017 Freetown landslide, which claimed over 1,000 lives, highlighted the dangers of environmental degradation and weak climate resilience. Farmers, particularly young people in rural areas, face food insecurity, poor soil conditions, and unstable water supplies, making agriculture increasingly unsustainable. Many youths have started small-scale adaptation projects like tree planting, climate-smart agriculture, and water conservation, but these initiatives remain underfunded and lack technical support for scalability.

Effective Forms of Youth Engagement
To ensure youth voices are genuinely integrated into the NDC process, we need:

A National Youth Climate Council: A formal advisory body within government to ensure young people influence climate policy decisions.

Participatory Workshops & Consultations: Engaging youth in town halls, focus groups, and public policy dialogues to make climate action more inclusive.

Digital Platforms for Climate Advocacy: Leveraging social media, mobile apps, and e-governance tools to allow young people to track NDC progress and provide feedback.

Urgent Policy Reforms for Youth Inclusion in Sierra Leone

Institutionalizing Youth Representation in Climate Policy: Sierra Leone must legally mandate youth participation in NDC formulation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Creating Dedicated Climate Funds for Youth: The government and international partners should allocate grants for youth-led projects in renewable energy, agriculture, and disaster resilience.

Strengthening Climate Education: Integrating climate studies into school curricula will empower young people with knowledge and skills for sustainable development.

Training & Capacity Building for Green Jobs in Sierra Leone
To equip young people for careers in climate action, the government should invest in:

Vocational Training for Renewable Energy: Hands-on education in solar power, wind energy, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs: Training youth in drought-resistant crops, permaculture, and innovative irrigation techniques to ensure food security.

Water Conservation & Coastal Management Initiatives: Strengthening young people’s skills in flood prevention, mangrove restoration, and clean water solutions to combat climate-related disasters.

Vision for a Youth-Centered NDC Process in Sierra Leone
A truly inclusive NDC process would ensure:

Youth engagement is not symbolic but influential, with real decision-making power.

Increased funding and technical support for youth-led climate solutions.

Educational and economic opportunities in green industries to empower young people.

Stronger collaboration between the government, civil society, and youth organizations to track progress and hold leaders accountable.

Success would look like an Africa where young people are not just consulted but are co-creators of climate policies that determine their future.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can push for the implementation of these recommendations. Looking forward to further engagement!

Best,
Gibrilla Tholley

Hello Obed! Welcome to the discussion and thank you for sharing your perspectives.
You have highlighted some pertinent issues on slow, rigid and inefficient governance structures and youth tokenism and importance of both systemic support and meaningful inclusion.
Beyond symbolic involvement, what practical steps can governments take to ensure young people are genuinely part of decision-making processes? Are there specific examples of inclusive models that have worked well in other countries in Africa?
You highlighted the disconnect between youth and government officials. What mechanisms could be established to foster better communication and collaboration especially in regards to national climate goals?

Zipporah Njenga
That’s a really important question, and I appreciate the chance to dig into it. If governments truly want to include young people in decision-making, they need to move beyond simply giving them a seat at the table and instead ensure that their voices actually shape policies and actions.

One way to do this is by creating real structures that allow young people to contribute in a meaningful way. Some countries are already doing this well. In Kenya and Rwanda, national youth councils give young people a formal role in advising the government. Uganda has taken it a step further by reserving seats in parliament specifically for young representatives. These models ensure that youth perspectives are not just heard but actually influence decisions.

Beyond just having a voice, young people need to be part of shaping policies and budgets that affect them. Governments should involve youth-led organizations when drafting national policies, rather than just consulting them as an afterthought. South Africa, for example, funds youth businesses and community projects through its National Youth Development Agency, showing that real investment in young leadership can lead to action.

But it is not enough to give young people platforms if they do not have the skills or networks to engage effectively. Programs like the Young African Leaders Initiative have made a big difference by equipping young people with the tools they need to step into leadership roles. Regular dialogue between youth and government officials should also be built into governance structures so that these conversations happen consistently, not just during elections or major events. Nigeria’s Not Too Young To Run movement is a great example of young people pushing for change and successfully lowering the age requirement for political office.

Another major challenge is the gap between young people and those in power. Governments need to create better ways to engage with youth using the tools they already use, whether through digital platforms, town halls, or social media forums where leaders actually respond to concerns. In Kenya, the government has developed online portals where citizens can propose policies, report issues, and track government commitments, which helps create transparency and accountability.

When it comes to national climate goals, young people are often leading the charge, but their work is rarely recognized or funded. Governments could create dedicated youth climate councils to contribute to national climate policies and ensure young voices are represented in major decision-making spaces like COP summits. They could also set aside grants for youth-led climate initiatives, as Rwanda has done with its Green Fund, which supports young entrepreneurs working on sustainability projects.

Finally, local government matters just as much as national policies. If young people had more influence in municipal decisions, they could drive change in their own communities. Annual youth climate summits, climate innovation competitions, and direct engagement in policy negotiations could bridge the gap between youth activism and government action.

At the heart of all this, young people do not just need a platform. They need power, resources, and a real stake in shaping their own future. Thank you 🙏

Thank you, Abubakar for your thoughtful points.

Yes, all that you said is true. Making the NDCs youth-inclusive is very paramount to strengthening youth participation in these processes.
What practical steps can governments take to ensure young people are genuinely part of decision-making processes? Are there specific examples of inclusive models that you think should be adopted here in Africa?

Bonjour Mohamadou, Welcome to the Consultation on Youth engagement in NDCs, Thank you for sharing some facts about forests and their benefits.
I'd like to gather your insights on ;
1. What are the most pressing climate challenges for young people in your country, and which sectors should be prioritized to address their needs?
2. What are the key challenges preventing young people from actively participating in the NDC process, and what barriers exist between youth and government collaboration?
3. How can NDCs be designed to genuinely reflect youth priorities, and what roles should young people play in shaping, implementing, and monitoring them?
4. What policies, resources, and partnerships are needed to ensure meaningful youth participation in NDCs, and how can governments and stakeholders better support this?

Hello Sitemba, welcome to the Africa Regional Consultation on Youth Engagement in NDCs we would love to hear your ideas an opinions
Given Africa's unique climate challenges and opportunities, how can young people lead the conversation on developing NDCs that resonate with the realities of their communities?

Hi Md.Jabed, Thank you for sharing your perspective and work in climate activism. Your emphasis on meaningful youth participation in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) underscores a critical shift needed in global climate governance.
Your experiences with Climate Justice Bangladesh and Climate Club serve as powerful examples of how youth-led initiatives are creating tangible impact. Whether it's through advocacy or community mobilization, the leadership of young people is already reshaping the narrative around climate justice. Decision-makers must indeed recognize and integrate these contributions, and your call for collaboration highlights the urgency of bridging the gap between youth action and policymaking.
I'd be curious to learn more about your specific experiences. How has your work been received by policymakers? What strategies have been most successful in amplifying youth voices within the climate justice space? Additionally, what challenges do you face in ensuring that youth-led initiatives are scaled effectively and sustainably?

Hello Mika, its lovely to have you here!
Your emphasis on empowering youth through education, training, and funding for innovative climate solutions is a crucial point, particularly in the context of sustainable agriculture and green technologies.
I have a few follow up questions and I’m eager to hear your thoughts
In your view, what specific types of educational and training programs would be most effective in equipping young people with the skills they need to fully participate in and contribute to national climate goals? Are there any successful models or initiatives in D.R. Congo that could serve as examples?
How can young people be directly involved in shaping the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) process?
You highlighted the importance of funding. How can governments, private sector actors, and international organizations collaborate to create accessible funding opportunities for youth-led climate initiatives? What barriers currently exist in accessing these resources, and how can they be addressed?

Zipporah Njenga i think Educational and Training Programs is really essential to include youth in NDC. We can do so by providing

1.Skill Development Programs In:
- Environmental Science and Policy: it will be essential to provide Courses and training focusing on climate science, environmental policy, and sustainability practices to provide foundational knowledge To young people.
- Technical Skills Training: launch Programs that teach renewable energy technologies, sustainable agriculture, and waste management practices that will empower youth to engage in green jobs and innovate.
- Leadership and Advocacy: Workshops that cultivate leadership skills and advocacy training will equip young people to effectively communicate and Lead climate initiatives.

To point out here are Successful Models in D.R. Congo :
Organizations such as " AGRIBEETECH (which i am part of)" in Collaboration with KIVUGREEN CORPORATION on " Farmer a Mercycorps Program", in D.R. Congo have initiated project focusing on providing Agricultural Weather forcast, and provided training farmers in warter management and waste management in Rutshuru, Lubero and Masisi Territory for environmental awareness and a resilient agriculture to climate change.

More over, for a wider reach there must be University Partnerships: It will be much more better to foster Collaborations between universities and NGOs for practical training and internships in climate-related projects and this will serve as effective models for youth in post school activities and green employment.

Involving Youth in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is an other aspect to encourage. This mean :

1. Young people should be included in consultations and forums that discuss NDC development, ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making.
2. Encourage youth to conduct research, project and provide evidence-based recommendations for NDCs can empower them to contribute meaningfully.
3. Governments must look for evry way to include youth representatives in delegations to climate conferences, ensuring their perspectives are part of international discussions.

Above all Funding Opportunities will help to bring to life impactfull youth project. To provide funding opportunities there must be:

1. Public-Private Partnerships : Governments should partner with private sector actors to create funding programs that support youth-led initiatives.
2.International Grants : International organizations must establish grant programs specifically targeting youth initiatives in climate action.

All the above is crucial because dispite all effort in action, these days Youth still face Barriers to Accessing Resources due to :
- Complex Application Processes. To adres this, Simplifying grant application processes can make funding more accessible to youth organizations, even exploring and funding new ideas
- Lack of Awareness. So, Increasing awareness about available funding opportunities through workshops and outreach can help bridge the information gap.
- Capacity Building. For this barrier, Providing training on project proposal writing and financial management can empower youth to effectively apply for and manage funding.

In conclusion, focusing on these areas, its possible to enhance the capacity of young people to contribute to climate goals while ensuring their active participation in shaping policies that affect their futures.

Hello Simon, Greeting from East Africa! Thank you for your contribution and welcome to the discussion. I'd love to explore some of your thoughts further
In your opinion, what practical steps can governments and policymakers take to involve young people more actively in the development and implementation of NDCs?
You highlighted the willingness of young people to learn and act. What types of support do you think are most essential to empower youth and youth organizations like Zero Plastic Liberia to fully participate in development, implementation, follow up and review of NDCs in your country?
Given your experience volunteering with various organizations, how can partnerships between youth-led groups, governments, and international bodies be strengthened to drive more impactful climate action?

Hello Bagonza, thrilled to have you in the discussion and looking forward to hearing more of your ideas and experiences on;
How has your time at Makerere University shaped your views on sustainability and climate action?
How are young people actively contributing to the implementation and monitoring of Uganda's NDCs?
What specific areas of Uganda’s NDCs do you think require greater youth participation, and how can platforms like this one help amplify your voice?

Zipporah Njenga Thank you for having me!

# Shaping Views on Sustainability and Climate Action
My time at Makerere University has been instrumental in shaping my views on sustainability and climate action. Through various courses like gender and development In my second year as well as rural development in first year and extracurricular activities at kabanyolo research center for makerere , I've gained a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between human societies, the environment, and the economy.

# Youth Contributions to Uganda's NDCs
Young people in Uganda are actively contributing to the implementation and monitoring of the country's NDCs through:

1. Climate activism: Raising awareness about climate change, its impacts, and the need for urgent action.
2. Innovative solutions: Developing and implementing innovative solutions, such as climate-resilient agricultural practices, clean energy projects, and eco-friendly products more so on our second year first semester we had a course unit called Farm power.
3. Research and policy analysis: Conducting research, analyzing policies, and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform NDC implementation.
4. Community engagement: Working with local communities to develop and implement climate-resilient projects, such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and disaster risk reduction.

# Areas Requiring Greater Youth Participation
I believe that greater youth participation is required in the following areas of Uganda's NDCs:

1. Climate education and awareness: Integrating climate change education into school curricula and promoting awareness-raising campaigns.
2. Youth-led climate entrepreneurship: Supporting young entrepreneurs in developing and scaling up climate-resilient businesses.
3. Disaster risk reduction and management: Enhancing youth participation in disaster risk reduction and management efforts, including early warning systems and emergency response planning.

# Amplifying Youth Voices
Platforms like this one can help amplify youth voices by:

1. Providing a space for expressions: Allowing young people to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences on climate action and sustainability.
2. Facilitating networking and collaboration: Connecting young people with peers, experts, and policymakers to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
3. Showcasing youth-led initiatives: Highlighting and promoting youth-led climate initiatives and projects to inspire others and attract support.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts

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Hello Mohamadou Sani,

Thank you for bringing attention to the devastating floods in the Far North region of Cameroon. The loss and disruptions caused by these disasters highlight the urgent need for climate resilience strategies that prioritize vulnerable communities.

As climate advocates, we recognize that flooding is a recurring challenge in many parts of Africa, exacerbated by climate change, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing this issue requires a multi-stakeholder approach, including:

✅ Strengthening early warning systems to provide timely alerts and enable communities to prepare.
✅ Investing in resilient infrastructure, such as drainage systems and flood barriers, to mitigate future risks.
✅ Promoting sustainable land and water management practices to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.
✅ Enhancing local capacity and awareness through community-led initiatives on disaster preparedness and climate adaptation.

In solidarity with those affected, governments, civil society, and international organizations must work together to implement long-term solutions while providing immediate relief. If there are ongoing initiatives or ways to support relief efforts, I would be eager to collaborate.

Looking forward to further discussions on building climate-resilient communities across Africa.

Best regards.

Hello and Thank you for sharing this inspiring vision, Charles. Your commitment to environmental conservation and empowering young people to lead is commendable and crucial. Planting one million trees in Liberia's coastal counties will not only addresses climate change but also sets a powerful example for environmental stewardship.
Your message highlights critical realities: Africa's youthful population, the disproportionate impact of climate change on the continent, and the importance of inclusive policymaking. A few follow up questions to gather your inputs in regards to the consultation
1. What are the most pressing climate challenges for young people in your country, and which sectors should be prioritized to address their needs?
2. What are the key challenges preventing young people from actively participating in the NDC process, and what barriers exist between youth and government collaboration?
3.How can NDCs be designed to genuinely reflect youth priorities, and what roles should young people play in shaping, implementing, and monitoring them?
4. What policies, resources, and partnerships are needed to ensure meaningful youth participation in NDCs, and how can governments and stakeholders better support this?

Hello Edgar! Thank you for the work you are doing...Innovation and entrepreneurship are key to the realization of NDCs. Could you share some of the success stories and lessons learnt along the way

Thank you, Gaston, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your commitment to addressing climate challenges, particularly in agriculture and water management, highlights the importance of aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the immediate needs of communities. These sectors are indeed vital, not just for livelihoods but for the overall resilience of communities in the face of climate change.
You bring up an essential point about the barriers to youth participation, such as limited recognition and communication gaps. These challenges are not unique to the DRC and resonate with many young people across the continent. Integrating youth voices from the policy-making stage is not only fair—it’s essential for the effectiveness and sustainability of climate policies.
Let me pose a few follow-up questions to deepen this dialogue:

Zipporah Njenga Absolutely! I'm delighted that my ideas and experiences have found an echo. It's crucial to stress the importance of an integrated approach where Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are directly aligned with the realities and needs of communities, particularly in the vital sectors of agriculture and water management.

I look forward to answering your further questions and continuing this vital discussion. Together, we can work towards sustainable and inclusive solutions to climate challenges and build a more resilient future for all.

Gaston Alimasi

1. What are the most pressing climate challenges for young people in your country, and which sectors should be prioritized to address their needs
2.What are the key challenges preventing young people from actively participating in the NDC process, and what barriers exist between youth and government collaboration?
3.How can NDCs be designed to genuinely reflect youth priorities, and what roles should young people play in shaping, implementing, and monitoring them

Hello Nicholas! Thank you for sharing this empowering perspective! Your call to action captures the urgency and transformative potential of youth-led climate solutions. The imagery your use of imagery is striking and highlights the vital role young people play in shaping a sustainable future.
Your observations about Kenya’s climate challenges and the barriers to youth engagement are insightful. From unpredictable rains to financial roadblocks for renewable energy innovators, these realities emphasize why the NDC process must prioritize youth, not just as participants but as co-leaders. You bring up important areas for discussion—agriculture, energy, and education—and the need for accessible, practical strategies that resonate with all levels of society.
How can we simplify and demystify the NDC process , go beyond sharing high level principles to provide clearly differentiated actions that can be taken to ensure young people are meaningfully engaged, especially those outside urban centers? Are there tools, platforms, or grassroots initiatives that could bridge the gap between policy discussions and local realities?
You mentioned financial barriers—what innovative solutions or funding models could be introduced to empower young entrepreneurs in the clean energy space? Are there examples from Kenya or other African nations that inspire you?
Your assertion that "young people are not the problem; we are the solution" is a powerful rallying cry. What steps do you think can be taken right now to ensure youth are not only part of conversations but driving the changes necessary for Africa to thrive despite climate challenges?

P.S Is that invite for Nyama choma open to moderators?