The Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) is calling on government and stakeholders to actively engage the youth in programs and policies designed to combat climate change.
The SYND in its two-day consultative workshop engaged participants selected from all regions in Ghana to develop a youth strategy on climate action in Ghana.
According to the Executive Director of SYND, Chibeze Ezekiel, to resolve this form of marginalization, the youth strategy will provide a roadmap for young people to find avenues through which they can engage various stakeholders.
Mr Ezekiel in his address to participants said: “we don’t want policymakers to meet and make decisions on our behalf and come and give us the end-product, we want them to think with us, involve us in the decision-making.”
“If policymakers are not giving us [the youth] the opportunity then the youth must demand to fill the gap”, he added.
The team lead of 350 Africa, Landry Ninteretse via a Zoom meeting applauded SYND for leading this project and should not relent its efforts in making the youth find a seat at the table.
The Project Coordinator of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah said: “It is always a delight to see the youth participate in climate change action. Despite the challenges that come with it, you should know that the youth plays a critical role in protecting the environment and fighting against climate change.”
The Climate Change Focal Person for SYND, Patience Agyekum in her presentation reiterated that young people are not passive but active who need to be empowered on finding lasting solutions such as the creation of greener jobs that will curb unemployment.
She applauded the Environmental Protection Agency for engaging the youth in the ongoing development of the National Adaption Plan.
Among a list of partners and funders of the workshop are French Embassy, SLYCAN TRUST, African Climate Reality Project, Africa Centre for Energy Policy, World Bank, GROWALD Family Fund, 350 Africa and Forest Watch, and MESTI.