The recently concluded COP 29 climate conference in Azerbaijan underscored the pivotal role of youth in addressing the climate crisis, with Global Youth Action Network Ghana (GYAN Ghana) making an impressive mark on the global stage.
Represented by its dynamic Young Programmes and Projects Officers, the organization participated in key sessions, panels, and side events, demonstrating Africa and Ghana’s leadership in climate advocacy and innovation.
COP 29 is the United Nations Climate Change Conference that took place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November 2024. COP 29 brought together world leaders and negotiators from the member states (or Parties) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to further global progress, with business leaders, young people, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society sharing insights and best practices to strengthen global, collective and inclusive climate action.
Programmes and Projects Officer,Mr. Mark Kofi Nii Mawuko, actively engaged in discussions, including a high-profile side event which projected global youth leadership organized by TakingITGlobal/GYAN Canada. This session spotlighted the unique contributions of young people in shaping a sustainable and equitable future through innovative financing mechanisms, technology, and grassroots action.
Before the delegation’s departure to Baku, Ms. Sabine Adomako, another Programmes and Projects Officer of GYAN Ghana, spoke to the media in Accra. She articulated the organization’s goals, emphasizing the need for African youth to take a lead role in innovation and finance as critical tools to combat the climate crisis.
Ms. Adomako highlighted the outcomes of GYAN Ghana’s pre-COP event in Accra, which convened multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, environmental experts, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives. The event sought to address pressing climate challenges and pave a leadership pathway for youth within Ghana and across Africa. Key themes included renewable energy adoption, climate finance, and building resilient communities, aligning with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) objectives.
“The pre-COP was not only about raising concerns; it was about building actionable strategies to influence decisions on the global stage,” Ms. Adomako remarked. “GYAN Ghana is positioning itself as a bridge between local realities and global commitments, ensuring that young voices are heard and acted upon.”
At COP 29, GYAN Ghana took part in multiple sessions, including those addressing climate resilience in vulnerable regions, technology transfer for adaptation, and youth-driven financing models for climate innovation. The organization’s involvement in various panels amplified the unique perspectives of African youth, highlighting the continent’s challenges and opportunities in the face of a warming planet.
GYAN Ghana promoted the Youth-Led Climate Advocacy in Africa showcasing success stories from Ghana and beyond, while advocating for stronger partnerships between governments, international organizations, and youth networks. The organization joined forces with other youth-led initiatives to call for increased accountability in climate finance, urging developed countries to meet their financial commitments under the Paris Agreement.
GYAN Ghana’s active engagement at COP 29 resonated across national, regional, and global audiences. The organization’s efforts align closely with the UNFCCC’s objectives to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. By prioritizing youth leadership, GYAN Ghana reinforces the broader goals of the United Nations, particularly its commitment to empowering youth under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
GYAN Ghana’s presence at COP 29 underscored the potential of young leaders to drive transformational change. Through its pre-COP events, active participation in Azerbaijan, and unwavering commitment to the climate agenda, the organization is shaping a legacy of leadership and innovation in Ghana and across Africa.
As GYAN Ghana continues its work, it calls on like-minded organizations, governments, and private sector actors to join forces in advancing the global climate agenda. With a bold vision and a proven track record, GYAN Ghana is poised to lead the charge toward a sustainable future for all.
Source: Ameyawdebrah
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