Ahead of the Second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, young people in Kenya are raising their voices for greater involvement in climate policies. They want their insights, challenges, and resilience recognized as vital to the climate conversation.
At a recent gathering of researchers, child advocates, and policymakers, the need for young voices in decision-making took center stage. Integrating their perspectives is crucial for developing sustainable and equitable climate solutions.
Researcher Henry Okoto shared findings on youth-led climate action, noting that many young Kenyans are mobilizing through platforms like WhatsApp and TikTok. “These platforms help young people bypass resource limits to express their views,” Okoto explained. His study showed that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s closely tied to social justice, affecting areas like food security and education.
The research used a variety of methods, including literature reviews and interviews with community organizations, and highlighted several challenges. These include a lack of funding, inadequate training, and mental health pressures on young activists. The team offered several recommendations:
- Include youth perspectives in national climate policies.
- Create funding sources specifically for youth-led projects.
- Provide training in digital skills and project management.
- Foster collaboration across generations.
- Establish support systems for mental health.
Additionally, the Children’s Climate Advocacy Panel emphasized that kids aren’t just victims of climate change; they are part of the solution. They pointed to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a framework that supports children’s participation in climate governance.
“Children have a right to be involved in decisions that impact their lives,” one panel member stated. However, many barriers still exist, such as limited funding and a lack of platforms for advocacy. To amplify children’s voices, innovative strategies like community initiatives and media engagement were suggested.
Both the study and the panel highlighted that Kenya’s climate action will improve significantly if youth and children play an essential role in shaping policies. Experts stress the importance of using digital tools like visual policy briefs and organized dialogues with government officials to ensure these recommendations reach decision-makers.
The commitment of young people and children can strengthen Kenya’s climate framework, protecting vulnerable populations and fostering resilience for future generations. As the climate conversation grows, it’s clear that the future depends on the ideas and actions of today’s youth.
For further reading on children’s rights in climate governance, check out the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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