Sept 1st 2023
Day 1 of #AYCA23 showcased the remarkable power of youth collaboration, underlining that the African Youth are not only mere attendees at #AYCA23 but catalysts for transformative change, architects of their own future and a beacon of hope propelling Africa towards #Innovation and a #GreenEconomy.
#AYCA23 KICKS OFF - AFRICA YOUTH UNITE AS ARCHITECTS OF THEIR FUTURE IN THE SPACE OF CLIMATE
Organised by the Kenya Youth Caucus ahead of Africa Climate Summit #ACS23 in Nairobi, Kenya, the Africa Youth Climate Assembly #AYCA23, has officially begun, serving as a platform for young African Leaders from across Africa to shape the course of the #ACS23 proceedings, that are structured around four primary system-based tracks, aimed at providing region-centric inputs for the inaugural global stocktake leading up to COP 28 that will evaluate the collective progress towards fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Climate Change Agreement
During the opening ceremony, H.E. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, emphasised on the solution-oriented nature of African youth and acknowledged their fight for a seat at the table, and urged for the inclusion of youth in the discussions about #GreenGrowth, highlighting that no solution will be found if we do not engage the youth, the people with the greatest stake in our present and future.
#AYCA23 Day 1 also highlighted opportunities for the youth in terms of #ClimateAdaptation outlining how the youth through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) under the Youth Adapt Pillar offers avenues for #ClimateAction. Panel discussions also featured YouthAdapt Challenge Winners sharing insights on #GreenJobs, #Innovation, and the role of innovative solutions in #ClimateAction and #ClimateAdaptation.
The breakout sessions were also marked by valuable information sharing, featuring a diverse group of panellists, speakers and moderators, and a conversation on Nature Based Solutions during the main afternoon plenary on the Role of Science in Policy and Research: A Case Study on Drone and Phone Technology to Map Restoration Actions.
In conclusion, as we sum up day 1 of #AYCA23, in the words of Liz Wathuti, ‘It is time for Africa to cease the urgency, unify African Youth Voices and work collaboratively for the purpose of amplifying our impact in the space of Climate.’
