Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Lead Climate Action at the Inaugural Africa Climate Summit
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EmailYALI alumni take a prominent role in the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, contributing their passion and expertise to shape climate solutions and advocate for youth-driven transformative change on the continent.
August 30, 2023
Nairobi, Kenya – The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a flagship effort of the United States government to invest in the next generation of African leaders, is set to play a pivotal role at the upcoming Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, scheduled for September 4-6, 2023. This prestigious event will take place at the Climate Innovation Hub within the African Union pavilion, and YALI alumni who participated in the African Youth Post-COP27 Summit will actively contribute to shaping climate solutions on the continent. The Innovation Lab for Food Policy Research, Capacity, and Influence (PRCI), is thrilled to be supporting YALI to participate in the upcoming summit. As PRCI Director David Tschirley says, “we are dedicated to advancing local ownership of development issues and working with our partners to strengthen capacity to do this in an empirically informed way. Supporting YALI to bring youth leaders in the area of climate is one great way to do this.”
YALI alumni, who are recognized as passionate climate change advocates, have demonstrated their commitment by participating physically, virtually, and through youth and climate activities in their respective countries. This commitment was showcased during the African Youth Post-COP27 Summit held on March 29, 2023, at the African Union Commission (AUC) headquarters in Addis Ababa. The summit was sponsored by the US and UK Mission to the African Union, in collaboration with the AUC. The outcome of the Addis Ababa meeting included a resolution to carry forward the discussions and proposals to the Africa Climate Summit.
The African Youth Post-COP27 Summit received an overwhelming response, with over 1500 entries following the call for applications for innovative climate solutions. These entries showcased the determination of young Africans to actively engage in and promote climate initiatives within their communities.
YALI's presence at the summit serves as a testament to its commitment to nurturing African leaders who are dedicated to tackling the climate crisis. The summit will provide a platform to inform, shape, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, culminating in the development of the Nairobi Declaration—a comprehensive framework that will guide climate action in Africa.
The Climate Innovation Hub within the African Union pavilion will serve as a focal point for innovative solutions and discussions on climate resilience and mitigation. YALI alumni will be among the prominent voices advocating for sustainable strategies that harness the potential of Africa's youth to combat climate change.
As the world unites to combat climate change, YALI stands at the forefront, harnessing the energy and determination of young African leaders to drive transformative change. The Africa
Climate Summit marks a significant milestone in this journey, as YALI alumni contribute their expertise and passion to shape a more sustainable future for Africa and the world.
