The Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD Youth Coalition on Climate and Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems was inaugurated by Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, who emphasised the urgency of leveraging Africa’s youthful population to address climate challenges.
“This is our opportunity to bring forth the energy, hope and determination of young people to push systems and drive meaningful change,” Ps said.
“It is only Africa that has the leverage of a youthful population. What it means is, if Africa, if our region, if our countries are to embrace any meaningful change, then we have to leverage on the the creativity and potential of young people” He added
The PS noted that Kenya, like many African countries, has a predominantly youthful population, positioning the continent as uniquely capable of driving climate solutions if youth are prioritised.
He further urged young people to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the coalition to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Speaking during the launch IGAD Youth Envoy Sam Ogwal described the coalition as a milestone initiative that places young people at the heart of climate resilience and development.
“IGAD region remains one of the most climate-vulnerable globally, with nearly 70 percent of its landmass classified as arid or semi-arid, while agriculture—largely rain-fed—continues to sustain millions of livelihoods.” He said
IGAD Youth Coalition To Help Youth In East Africa
Ogwal revealed that climate shocks have displaced over 40 million people in recent years, worsening food insecurity and livelihoods. He added that although young people make up over 60 percent of the population, they are disproportionately affected by climate change, even as they remain key innovators and agents of change.
He explained that the coalition will help transition youth-led climate efforts from fragmented initiatives into a structured regional mechanism anchored within IGAD, focusing on mobilising young people, strengthening access to climate services, promoting climate-resilient agri-food systems, supporting innovation and green entrepreneurship, and amplifying youth voices in regional and global climate processes.
Director of the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), Abdi Fidar, stressed the need for improved climate prediction, technology adoption and capacity building to address recurring challenges such as droughts and floods.
“We live in region, where we are either dealing with water scarcity or access to waterI came up from Mogadishu. I came from Mogadishu last week. I saw there was floods in Mogadishu, I think that’s what’s happening in Nairobi,” he said.
Stakeholders noted that the IGAD Youth coalition will serve as a key platform to coordinate youth-led climate action, strengthen partnerships and promote sustainable solutions aimed at enhancing resilience and securing livelihoods across the IGAD region.
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