- The Federal Government plans to engage youth actively in the fight against climate change, recognizing their significant impact on the issue
- Minister of Youths Development emphasizes youth-led initiatives, global collaboration, and empowering grassroots participation for effective climate action in Nigeria
In a proactive stance against the challenges posed by climate change, the Federal Government has announced its intention to involve the youth actively in the fight, recognizing the significant impact on their demographic.
Maryam Umar Yusuf, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Youths Development conveyed this commitment in a statement on Friday. The government plans to embrace a youth-led initiative to address the complexities of climate change.
Speaking at the 13th edition of the UNESCO Youth Forum during the 42nd UNESCO General Conference in Paris, France, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, the Minister of Youths Development, elaborated on the government’s strategy. She emphasized that the administration prioritizes supporting developing nations by providing crucial financial resources, technical expertise, and technology for a seamless transition into the green economy.
Bio-Ibrahim highlighted the federal government’s dedication to fostering global collaboration, aiming to empower developing countries in their dual pursuit of combatting climate change and advancing economic development.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s negative exposure to climate change, particularly its impact on land and water resources leading to conflicts, agricultural disruptions, and community displacement, Bio-Ibrahim pointed out that the most affected demographic is the youth. Constituting approximately 70% of Nigeria’s population, they represent the largest youth population per country in Africa and 10% globally.
The Minister detailed the administration’s commitment to enhancing youth climate action in Nigeria. She outlined the strategy, stating, “empowering youth participation through engagement by involving them in discussions with stakeholders and policymakers, focusing on young people at the grassroots level, and adopting a bottom-up approach to climate action.”
This youth-centric approach signifies a progressive step in acknowledging the pivotal role the younger generation plays in combating climate change and aligns with the government’s broader commitment to sustainable development.