Jacob’s Ladder Africa and fellows from various global fellowship programs organized a notable event at the Africa Climate Summit, titled “Climate Action and Leadership in Africa: Ideas, Transformations, and Realities.” The side event was convened by Eisenhower Fellowships, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellowships, Obama Foundation Leaders, Mandela Washington Fellowships, Aspen New Voices Fellowship, Forum of Young Global Leaders, Three Cairns Fellowships, Oxford Martin Fellowships, Yale Climate Leaders Fellowship and other African Youth Groups
The session, graced by the Chief Guest His Excellency Professor Yemi Osibanjo, former Vice President of Nigeria and Global Advisor for the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, included distinguished speakers, including Dr. Olufunso Somorin from the African Development Bank, Sellah Bogonko Co-Founder and CEO Jacob’s Ladder Africa and Bilha Ndirangu CEO Great Carbon Valley, who shared profound insights on navigating leadership amidst the looming climate change crisis.
The side event aimed to dissect the persistent leadership gaps and crises hindering the translation of ideas and potential into transformative opportunities for sustainable development in Africa. The discussions spurred innovative ideas regarding paradigm shifts, engagement models, and partnership frameworks to amplify climate action across the continent. As Sellah Bogonko aptly stated, “The Climate Crisis is a Leadership Opportunity.”
One of the key organizations involved in climate advocacy, the Africa Climate Action Advocacy Initiative (ACAAI), comprises Jacob’s Ladder Africa, Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship, Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A), and The Africa Center. ACAAI is dedicated to addressing critical issues pivotal for Africa’s progress in the global climate discourse.
ACAAI has actively conducted cross-country research on youth perceptions of climate in Africa and initiated the Africa Climate Ambassadors Programme. This program aims to diversify and amplify voices advocating for the climate opportunity narrative in Africa. Applications for Cohort 2 – 2024 of the Africa Climate Ambassadors Programme are now open, and interested individuals can apply via their website: ACAAI Climate Ambassadors Programme.
H.E. Professor Yemi Osinbajo recently emphasized: “Africa can become the first truly green continent.” (Watch more [here]). We couldn’t agree more.
