Expanding Horizons
When it comes to addressing climate change, Africa’s youth are rising to the challenge—but too often, they haven’t been part of the decision-making rooms where policies are made. Despite recent efforts to prioritize youth participation in policy-making across Africa, including in Ghana, only a few young voices have reached the national and international climate policy discourse. The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) recognized this gap and created the African Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF) to change that. Since its launch in 2022, this groundbreaking program has been preparing young leaders from Ghana and beyond for meaningful participation in climate negotiations on a global stage.
In just three years, the AYNF has grown impressively. With the support of UNICEF Ghana and the expertise provided by the Environmental Protection Agency Ghana (EPA), a total of 110 participants from across Africa have been trained and are now part of the fellowship. This year, four young climate leaders Gideon Agyapong, Alvin Adigao Wenia, Fathiaya Zakari, and Portia Sarpomaa were selected to represent youth interests at the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, held from November 11 to 22, 2024.
Key Objectives and Tracks Followed
The AYNF fellows approached COP29 with a clear mission: to deepen their understanding of international climate negotiations, contribute meaningfully to critical discussions, and amplify the voices of African youth in global forums. Their work focused on three pivotal negotiation tracks—National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Just Transition, and Response Measures—allowing them to engage actively in shaping global climate diplomacy while bringing youth perspectives to the forefront.
In the NAPs track, the fellows demonstrated leadership and expertise. During a group session on the Nairobi Work Programme, Alvin called for the inclusion of youth in both the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans and contributed to integrating NAPs with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) initiatives, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Their recommendations emphasized tailoring these frameworks to local contexts and ensuring a cohesive, complementary approach.
On the Response Measures track, Portia and Gideon also played instrumental roles by co-facilitating AGN and G77+China huddle meetings. The fellows worked closely with lead Ghanaian negotiators, including Mrs. Angelina Mensah and Mrs. Ama Essel, contributing to the drafting and refinement of text for negotiation activities. They engaged in discussions on equitable transitions to low-carbon economies, socio-economic impacts of climate responses, and capacity-building strategies. By helping construct text proposals, the fellows were vital in streamlining negotiation processes and ensuring clarity in key discussions in advancing Africa’s priorities on a global stage.
Through these contributions, the fellows not only enhanced their understanding of the complex processes shaping international climate diplomacy but also demonstrated the critical value of youth participation in negotiations. Their active engagement exemplifies how young leaders can bridge generational gaps and bring fresh perspectives to global climate solutions.
Lessons Learned
The fellows gained valuable insights from their experiences, despite encountering challenges along the way. They observed the diverse approaches taken by different regional groups in climate negotiations, highlighting the complexity of aligning priorities across global stakeholders.
Their experience underscored the importance of persistent dialogue and compromise as essential tools for reaching consensus in such multifaceted discussions. Additionally, they recognized the pivotal role of youth in driving climate action, ensuring that the voices and needs of future generations remain at the forefront of global decision-making.
Impacts of Climate Change on Vulnerable and Developing Countries
During COP29, the fellows noted how developing nations, particularly in Africa, face some of the severest consequences of climate change. They witnessed firsthand the struggle of vulnerable countries in negotiating for resources, support, and adaptation measures. Issues such as rising temperatures, extreme weather, and sea-level rise continue to threaten livelihoods, making the need for equitable solutions and climate justice more urgent than ever. The fellows’ experiences highlighted that developing nations must receive financial and technical support to adapt to climate change and transition to sustainable economies.
What’s next after COP29?
The AYNF fellows are determined to build on the momentum generated at COP29 through impactful initiatives and continued engagement. They plan to organize local debriefing sessions to share insights and lessons learned from COP29 with their communities. In Tamale, Alvin and Fathiaya aim to collaborate on hosting a “Children’s COP,” fostering youth engagement in climate action. Mentoring young climate activists remains a priority, as they work to build capacity in climate diplomacy and amplify youth voices in key decision-making spaces. Fathiaya also intends to advocate for regional climate initiatives, such as establishing a “Northern Adaptation Fund” to support vulnerable communities in Ghana’s northern regions and promote sustainable development. Alvin Adigao, founder of thecwbd.org, has ambitious plans. Inspired by his experience, he declared: “I intend to decentralize the UNFCCC processes and international dialogues through the second edition of Africa’s first junior COP; a children’s Conference of Parties where my team and I would organize and amplify children and youth voices, amidst other actions.”
Additionally, the fellows plan to pursue advanced training in negotiation and policy-making to deepen their expertise, while strengthening youth climate networks through collaboration and knowledge-sharing among emerging climate leaders. These efforts reflect their commitment to driving meaningful change and empowering the next generation of climate advocates.
An Inspiring Future for Climate Action
The participation of the AYNF fellows at COP29 is a testament to the transformative power of youth leadership in tackling global climate challenges. Their contributions remind us that addressing climate change requires an inclusive, intergenerational approach where young voices are not only heard but are actively shaping the future.
We must all take action, whether by advocating for policies, supporting youth initiatives, or making sustainable choices in our daily lives. Together, we can build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for Africa and the world.