Africa commits to amplifying youth voices at COP30

DAR ES SALAAM: AFRICA has pledged to ensure that youth voices are prioritised and well represented at the upcoming global climate talks (COP30) scheduled for next month in Belém, Brazil.

Delivering closing remarks at the Third African Group of Negotiators (AGN) Strategic Meeting held over the weekend in Dar es Salaam, AGN Chair Dr Richard Muyungi stressed the importance of youth involvement in shaping Africa’s climate agenda.

Held under the theme “African Youth Demand in Shaping the Future of Climate: From Ambition to Action in COP30,” the meeting served as a platform to incorporate youth perspectives into Africa’s unified position for the UN climate summit. “Young people are the driving force of this continent and among the most affected by climate change,” said Dr Muyungi.

“Africa’s strength lies in its youth—who make up nearly 70 per cent of the population and they must be heard. Their expectations should guide our actions.” Dr Muyungi commended Tanzania’s leadership under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, noting that the country has established mechanisms to ensure active youth participation in climate processes.

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He highlighted the African Youth Climate Dialogues hosted in Tanzania for the first time—as a significant milestone in preparing for COP30.

“For the first time, we’ve brought together youth from across Africa to share their perspectives on our collective future. We want their ideas reflected in Africa’s common position at COP30,” he said.

He added that such preparatory forums enable young people to express their views while climate leaders and policymakers integrate those insights into negotiation frameworks, ensuring future generations are represented and protected.

“This is the time to listen to youth and empower them to shape the planet’s future. We want Africa to go to Brazil with one voice, the voice of the youth,” Dr Muyungi said.

AGN Lead Coordinator for Youth and Gender, Ms Sarah Pima called on the international community to support independent and equitable representation for African youth in global climate negotiations.

“We want African youth to stand on their own, not as a subgroup under other delegations. Many young people are sidelined due to restrictive structures that limit their engagement,” said Pima.

She also stressed the urgent need to remove barriers to youth participation, particularly the lack of financial support that prevents many from being involved in climate decisionmaking processes.

Nonetheless, Ms Pima praised the Tanzanian government for recognising the importance of youth inclusion in national and continental climate strategies.

“We are grateful for the leadership of President Samia, who has given young people a platform to engage in meaningful dialogue on climate and sustainable development. It gives us hope and motivation,” she added.

Executive Director of Lady’s Heart Organisation Kenya, Abby Chebet underscored the importance of inclusivity, urging negotiators to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups such as women, girls and Indigenous communities.

“We must represent those who aren’t in the room, women, girls and Indigenous people. When we go to Brazil, we must speak not as individuals, but as one united continent. Only then we can truly address the challenges we face,” Chebet said.