From September 4th to 6th, the inaugural Africa Climate Summit convened in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a historic milestone in the continent’s collective fight against climate change. The event brought together an array of participants, including policymakers, environmentalists, innovators, youth activists, and stakeholders, to engage in crucial discussions, share insights, and foster collaboration towards a sustainable and resilient future.
Sellah Bogonko and Bilha Ndirangu’s voices shone through the Africa Climate Summit. Bilha moderated a session on Climate Action & Leadership in Africa; Ideas, Shifts & Realities, as well as a session on Why Africa is Poised to become a hub for durable removals. She also spoke on the Engineering Carbon Removal – A Game Changer for Africa panel.
Sellah gave a keynote address on the session on Climate Action & Leadership in Africa; Ideas, Shifts & Realities. She consistently drove the narrative of the green job opportunity for Africa by participating in a panel themed “Leading our Green Futures: Young Women, Livelihoods, and Climate-Smart Agriculture.” As part of her discourse, she underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts among the government, private sector, and development partners to invest in climate-smart agriculture. She emphasized that this collaboration is crucial for generating green jobs, especially for the youth and young women, urging the integration of strengths for a harmonious and impactful approach.
Watch Sellah Bongoko’s reflection of the Africa Climate Summit in this episode of Green Jobs Africa.
A key outcome from the summit was The African Leaders Nairobi Declaration On Climate Change And Call to Action, which you may read here.
Here are some of the highlights from the Africa Climate Summit.
- A Unified Vision for Change
At the heart of the summit was a unified vision to address the pressing issue of climate change. Delegates from various African nations came together to align their goals and strategies. This unity of purpose laid the foundation for meaningful discussions and collaboration to drive impactful change at both local and global scales.
- Multidimensional Dialogues
The summit facilitated multifaceted dialogues through panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions. Participants engaged in critical conversations about sustainable development, climate resilience, renewable energy adoption, conservation, and the integral role of youth in climate action. The diversity of topics covered ensured a comprehensive approach was taken to tackling climate challenges faced by the African continent.
- Spotlight on African Innovation
African innovation took center stage at the Summit, as delegates showcased a plethora of sustainable solutions and innovative projects aimed at mitigating climate change’s adverse effects. These presentations highlighted the continent’s resilience and determination to address climate challenges through indigenous ingenuity and cutting-edge technologies.
- Youth Empowerment and Involvement
That African youth play a pivotal role in combating climate change is without doubt. As a result, the Summit provided a platform for young activists to voice their concerns, share their initiatives, and collaborate with seasoned professionals. This intergenerational exchange of ideas and experiences inspired a renewed sense of urgency and purpose.
- Networking and Collaborations
The Africa Climate Summit acted as a networking hub that gave participants the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and foster partnerships that will play a crucial role in future climate initiatives. These collaborations are anticipated to extend beyond the Summit, and amplify collective efforts in addressing climate change.
- A Call to Immediate Action
As the Summit concluded, a resounding call to action reverberated throughout the venue. Participants were urged to translate the knowledge gained and the connections made into tangible actions within their communities and nations. This call, laden with urgency and hope, emphasized the importance of immediate and sustained efforts to combat climate change.
In conclusion, the inaugural Africa Climate Summit was a platform of convergence, inspiration, and determination. It showcased the continent’s commitment to addressing climate change through collaboration, innovation, and a collective drive for a more sustainable and equitable future. The impact of this Summit is expected to resonate far beyond its conclusion, shaping the trajectory of climate action in Africa and inspiring the world to follow suit.
The Africa Youth Climate Assembly
At the Africa Youth Climate Assembly, a pivotal precursor of the Africa Climate Summit, orchestrated by young people from across Africa and beyond, Jacob’s Ladder Africa convened a vital discussion titled “Opportunities and Challenges in Advancing the Creation of Green Jobs in Africa” in collaboration with esteemed partners including the United Nations, GO 4 SDGs, UNICEF, African Development Bank Group, African Development Fund, and Green Jobs for Youth Pact.
Our CEO, Sellah Bogonko moderated the panel which featured distinguished individuals from organizations dedicated to driving change. The participants shared insights into the initiatives their organizations are undertaking to bolster the youth in the burgeoning Green Economy, including:
- Shivani Kotecha from BFA Global shed light on the TECA program (Triggering Exponential Climate Action)
- Basil Amuzu-Sefordzi from Fortescue Future Industries highlighted the immense opportunities in their green hydrogen projects
- Edith Adera from African Development Bank Group described their programs focused on helping the youth access markets, finance and providing required training
- Linda Odero from University of Nairobi highlighted the institution’s innovation hubs, climate curriculum and more
- Anthony Kimani from E4Impact Foundation outlined the organisation’s accelerator and growth programs, North to South market linkages and more.
A key outcome from the summit was The Africa Youth Climate Assembly Declaration, which you may read here.
Watch Sellah Bongoko’s reflection of the Africa Youth Climate Assembly in this episode of Green Jobs Africa.
