Background

The urgency posed by the climate crisis requires efforts from all walks of life and a whole-of-society approach. The youth can contribute to climate action through their energy, innovative spirit and entrepreneurship, and eagerness for change and a better life. They also have the right to participate in today’s decisions, which will affect their future. The UNFCCC formally recognizes youth participation through the Youth NGO Constituency (YOUNGO), ensuring their voices are heard in climate negotiations. Youth empowerment for participation in the formulation and implementation of national climate policies such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Long-term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is encouraged by the Convention (Art. 6) and emphasized in the Paris Agreement (Art. 12). Youth can play a vital role in contributing to the formulation and implementation of these policies.

Youth represent a significant global demographic, and most importantly in Africa, where 70% of the population is under 30. Africa’s youth population is expected to more than double by 2055. The Youth are actively involved mobilizing communities for climate action, contributing solutions that support green jobs, sustainable energy, and a circular economy, aligning with the SDGs. A recent survey by the UNFCCC RCC West and Central Africa found that youth contributions to climate solutions often lack visibility, limiting learning, expansion, and replication across the region.
To address this, the RCC launched the Youth Climate Action Webinar Series, offering a platform for youth to showcase initiatives, influence policy, and support NDC and NAP formulation. This series fosters networking, knowledge exchange, and partnerships, positioning youth as solution providers and key actors in climate policy implementation. 
 

Objectives

1. Give spotlight to youth-led climate solutions that contribute to shaping and implementing climate action within the West and Central Africa region.
2. Provide a platform for youth climate entrepreneurs, youth climate startups and activists to present their works, initiatives, challenges as well sharing of experiences and opportunities among peers. 
3. Discuss strategies and opportunities to enhance youth agency in the formulation and implementation of NDC 3.0 and NAPs for the region. 
4. Foster discussions and meaningful youth engagement with UNFCCC Parties, as well as matchmaking between youth and partners and any other Non-Party Stakeholders (NPS) working on empowering youth in climate action in West and Central Africa.

Target Audience

The target audience are youths from youth-led organizations, organizations working on action for climate empowerment (ACE), climate entrepreneurs and countries’ officials or representatives as well as other organizations and partners that provide support for youth involvement in climate action in West and Central Africa.

Credit: RCC_WACA