From November 11 to November 24, 2024, the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) convened in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together diverse stakeholders, including governments, women, youth, vulnerable groups, and indigenous communities. Green Growth Africa (GGA) actively participated in this two-week event, engaging in high-level discussions on key negotiation tracks and thematic areas such as resilience, health, energy, adaptation, and inclusive youth engagement. These interactions amplified the voices of young people from the Global South, those who disproportionately bear the impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to this global menace.
Green Growth Africa (GGA) granted a press conference at the NATAVAN Press Conference room which was a pivotal platform to champion equitable climate solutions and emphasize the indispensable role of youth in sustainable development. Central to the Press Conference was the global objective of transitioning from fossil fuels in a fair and equitable manner, while acknowledging the unique capacities and contexts of all stakeholders.
In collaboration with 350Ghana and Abibiman foundation, GGA highlighted key issues, including the urgent need for meaningful youth engagement, increased funding for youth-led adaptation projects, and youth inclusion at all levels of decision-making. Speaking at the event, our Programs Manager, Candy Ann Dwamena Darkwa, underscored the critical role of young people in shaping climate action:
“The youth are the bearers of the decisions we make today. Why not entrust them with projects and equip them with the resources needed to effectively manage these initiatives and take well-considered decisions?”
This engagement reaffirmed GGA’s commitment to empowering youth as key drivers of equitable and sustainable climate solutions.
On Loss and Damage Day at COP29, we organized a session at the Children and Youth Pavilion with the theme “Highlighting youth experiences and strategies to loss and damage: Narratives from affected communities and a call to action for stakeholders and policymakers” The discussions focused on community-driven solutions, local innovations, and resilience strategies and the urgent need for stronger financial mechanisms and policies. It was asserted that vulnerable communities, particularly those in coastal regions, are increasingly at the mercy of climate change. Equipping these communities with additional, climate-resilient livelihoods is critical hence the need to fund initiatives geared towards adaptation and resilience building.
Valerie Nutakor, of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) Ghana, offered an inspiring perspective by showcasing adaptation strategies led by local communities. She emphasized how these initiatives have effectively integrated traditional practices and innovative approaches to address the challenges of a changing climate. These stories of resilience provided a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative potential of community-driven solutions in turning adversity into opportunity and reaffirming optimism in the global climate response.
Dr. Sidi El Moctar Abderrahmane from the Green Mauritania Youth Network (GreeM) delved into the power of nature-based solutions. He emphasized how traditional knowledge and grassroots efforts have been instrumental in addressing loss and damage across Africa. By restoring degraded ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and leveraging indigenous practices, communities are reclaiming their natural heritage while building climate resilience.
Teresia Gitau, from the Catholic Youth Network on Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) in Kenya, passionately articulated the role of youth in safeguarding against loss and damage. From grassroots mobilization to global advocacy, she highlighted the transformative power of young voices from Africa in influencing climate policies and driving concrete measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Isaac Kwabena Danso from the Environmental Protection Agency, shed light on the systemic barriers impeding progress. He discussed the challenges communities face in accessing climate finance and securing policy support for loss and damage. Isaac called for streamlined mechanisms, increased transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that resources reach the most vulnerable.
Lamis from the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, concluded the session by reflecting on the perspectives of policymakers and stakeholders. She stressed the urgency of closing the financial and policy gaps, urging leaders to prioritize loss and damage in climate action plans. Lamis highlighted the Coalition’s work in amplifying youth-led advocacy, ensuring that the voices of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis are heard and acted upon.
Another key aspect addressed at the pavilion by GGA was the nexus between climate change and mental health, explored during a panel discussion with the European Youth Forum on the theme “Cross-sectoral climate action and Mental Health: Youth-Led Solutions to Eco-Anxiety”. The conversation highlighted the climate crisis as not only an environmental and economic challenge but also a public health crisis. Coastal and vulnerable communities face profound non-economic losses, including the destruction of livelihoods, cultural heritage, sacred sites, and even lives. These losses often result in significant mental health impacts, exacerbating the toll of climate change on individuals and communities.
Energy and Just Transition
At COP29 GGA co-organized an event with Connected Advocacy on the theme “Meeting Africa Energy Needs”. This session underscored the pivotal role of decent jobs and entrepreneurship in ensuring a just transition to sustainable energy systems. Also as part of this session was the launch of the Africa Green Decade of Employment Initiative, spearheaded by GGA and Connected Advocacy. The initiative highlighted the untapped potential of green jobs as a catalyst for socioeconomic transformation across Africa and the creation of job opportunities for the youth. Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN), provided an inspiring overview of the network’s efforts to bridge employment creation with equity in energy transitions. The session also emphasized the importance of aligning global just transition frameworks with Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.
GGAN with Climate Champions on Climate Innovations
On Industry day at COP29 at the Implementation Lab (ILAB) under the Marrakech Partnership framework, in collaboration with the High-Level Climate Champions, and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and other Civil Society Organizations, GGAN co-organized an event that illustrated how targeted interventions are fostering a new generation of climate heroes capable of spearheading context-specific local solutions. As active partners on this UNDP-led Mastercard funded project, GGAN emphasized the urgency of empowering these frontline changemakers to scale their initiatives. Our highlight can be summarised as “Until the individuals on the frontlines are equipped to amplify their solutions, the fight against climate change will remain an uphill battle, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of its impacts.”
Engagement at the Children and Youth Pavilion
Green Growth Africa (GGA) proudly served as a steering committee member of the Children and Youth Pavilion(CYP) with the Children and Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, YOUNGO. The CYP was a dynamic space bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to address the climate crisis. The pavilion served as a platform for highlighting locally-led youth and community adaptation strategies that are making significant impacts on the ground.
The discussions at the pavilion were enriched by the active participation of youth advocates alongside high-level panelists committed to amplifying these voices and carrying proposed solutions to decision-makers. Esteemed speakers included:
- Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme
- Rt. Honourable Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General
- Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Chair of The Elders
- Dr. Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs
- Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, Vice-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- Camila Zepeda Lizama, Head of the International Affairs Coordinating Unit, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mexico
- Leyla Hasanova, COP29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion
These distinguished leaders shared insights on bridging gaps between grassroots action and high-level policy. The pavilion underscored the critical role of youth in shaping equitable and sustainable solutions, fostering dialogue that ensures their voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.
Outlook for COP30 and Beyond
Beyond COP29, our strategy will focus on deepening youth-led climate action, amplifying frontline community voices, and driving systemic change through innovation and policy engagement. Moving towards COP30 in Brazil, we aim to strengthen partnerships that embed climate justice in global and local decision-making, scale up zero-waste solutions, and enhance resilience-building efforts across Africa, especially in coastal communities. We foresee a future where young people and vulnerable communities are at the forefront of climate solutions, shaping policies and driving tangible impact in the fight against the climate crisis.
