By Checky Abuje
Busia County is poised to host a national Youth climate change summit dubbed “Amplifying Voices of Western Kenya’s Youth on Climate Change Matters”.
The Western Region Youth Climate Change Justice Summit, organized in collaboration with the Linda Mazingira Initiative Kenya and other key stakeholders, is set to empower young people in the western region to become informed, engaged, and effective leaders in addressing the climate crisis that is a threat to livelihoods and sustainable development globally.
The 4-day summit, taking place from August 5th to 8th in the border county of Busia, will provide a platform for youth to discuss the opportunities, issues, and challenges they face in the climate change phenomenon.
Among key speakers during the event include senior officers from the National and county governments, representatives from NGOs, and youth leaders who will be dissecting the climate crisis and mitigative measures for sustainable development of the youths in the environment sector.
“The overall objective is to empower youth to be more proactive, informed and engaged to be more effective when it comes to tackling the climate crisis and advancing environmental and social justice,” remarks Patrick Ikwara, the Secretariat Chairman and Coordinator, Linda Mazingira Kenya Initiative.
Ikwara told Africa Science News that the summit will also focus on strengthening young people’s participation and engagement in local, regional, national, as well as global environmental matters, ensuring their priorities and demands in advocacy against the effects of climate change are addressed at all levels of decision-making.
In an exclusive interview with Africa Science News in Busia town, the summit organisers revealed that some of the areas of interest for the youths include and not limited to Climate change adaptation, innovations and mitigation Strategies, climate change financing(FlloCa), Environment and sustainability and Green jobs for the youth.
Other areas according to Linda Mazingira Kenya initiative are Indigenous knowledge in climate change mitigation, Green and blue economy, carbon credit initiatives, food security and climate smart agriculture among other areas that will go alongside policies and legal framework, climate justice and gender inclusivity.
“Matters of sustainable development among youth, public-private partnership, mental health, pollution and waste management as well as a nature-based solution among youths in the environment sector remain our priority in the forthcoming summit” reiterated Ikwara.
However, the summit will provide an opportunity to raise awareness and call for social commitment and action from stakeholders to meaningfully mainstream youth concerns into development policies, program strategies, and planning in the Western region.
Ikwara challenged youth from the greater western region of Kenya to showcase their prowess in climate change innovations and solutions through exhibitions, fostering a sense of empowerment and inspiration among the participants.
“This is a crucial platform for the youth of western Kenya to have their voices heard and to collaborate on driving climate action in their communities,” disclosed Ikwara.
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