The African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) is a network of African-based youth organizations, university groups, rural youth groups, schools, and like-minded individuals, established in 2006 in Nairobi, Kenya. The network was created to provide African youth with the opportunities and training necessary to participate in and influence local, national, and global climate policy. This is particularly important as the majority of African youth are experiencing the effects of climate change and have the ability to encourage Africa to take action on the issue.
AYICC is involved in various activities such as awareness raising, tree planting, environmental education, stakeholder consultations, and community projects related to sustainable development and environmental conservation. The network has 35 focal areas and national chapters in 31 African nations, as well as recently established chapters in the Diaspora in Denmark, the UK, and the US.
Since 2006, this initiative has continued to connect, and share knowledge, ideas, experiences, skills, and strategies for youth action around the continent on climate change mitigation and adaptation, while collaborating with JVE Togo & JVE International, Nigeria youth climate Coalition, among many others to achieve their aim.
The main objectives of AYICC include developing and increasing the capacity of youth in climate change mitigation and adaptation, influencing policy dialogues related to youth and sustainable development, building a generation of young leaders passionate about the environment, supporting and facilitating youth innovation to address climate change challenges in Africa, and supporting research for development among youth to increase understanding of the climate change-sustainable development nexus.
AYICC has been involved in various thematic groups to enhance its advocacy work on climate change, such as climate change education, adaptation, mitigation, finance, technology, policy, loss and damage, communication, gender, and indigenous communities and climate change. The organization also hosts events such as the African Youth Conference on Climate Change (#AFRIYOCCC) and the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change – Somalia Chapter.
In conclusion, the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) is a vital organization that is making a significant impact in addressing the effects of climate change in Africa. Their efforts to provide African youth with the opportunities and training necessary to participate in and influence local, national, and global climate policy are truly commendable. Their work in raising awareness, promoting environmental education and conservation, and supporting research for development among youth is truly admirable.
The organization’s main objectives of developing and increasing the capacity of youth in climate change mitigation and adaptation, influencing policy dialogues related to youth and sustainable development, building a generation of young leaders passionate about the environment, and supporting and facilitating youth innovation to address climate change challenges in Africa, align with the need of the continent and its youth.
We applaud the efforts of AYICC and its members, and encourage others to join in the cause and support their work in any way possible. Together, we can build a sustainable future for Africa and its youth.
For more info, visit – African Youth Initiative on Climate Change – African Youth Initiative on Climate Change Website (ayicc.org)