The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region is at the frontline of climate change, facing recurring droughts, floods, land degradation, and rising temperatures. These environmental challenges threaten food security, economic stability, and livelihoods, particularly for the region’s youth, who represent over 70% of the population.
Although climate change impacts all age groups, young people will bear the heaviest burden as they will live longer and experience the effects throughout their lives. Empowering youth is therefore critical for achieving sustainable climate solutions and fostering long-term resilience across Africa.
In response to these challenges, IGAD has launched a dedicated Youth Policy in 2023, focused on harnessing the potential of young people as vital players in building climate resilience across the Horn of Africa. This policy aims to address the climate vulnerabilities facing youth, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to lead the charge in climate action.
Opportunities for Youth in Climate Resilience
Across the IGAD region, young people are emerging as champions of climate resilience. Their creativity, passion, and commitment to sustainable solutions are opening doors to a greener future. Key areas where youth are actively engaged include:
- Sustainable Agriculture & Agroforestry: Many youth-led initiatives are advancing climate-smart farming, including drought-resistant crops, soil conservation, and reforestation to restore ecosystems.
- Renewable Energy & Green Technology: Young innovators are at the forefront of promoting clean energy solutions such as solar, wind, and biogas, increasing access to sustainable energy in rural and off-grid areas.
- Climate Advocacy & Policy Engagement: Youth networks are driving grassroots campaigns, regional dialogues, and global climate action initiatives, amplifying the voices of young people in decision-making processes.
- Eco-Entrepreneurship & Green Jobs: Many young entrepreneurs are establishing eco-friendly businesses in areas such as waste recycling, water conservation technologies, and sustainable farming practices.
Challenges Hindering Youth-Led Climate Action
Despite their enthusiasm and resourcefulness, young people face several obstacles in scaling up their climate resilience efforts:
- Limited Access to Climate Finance: Many youth-led projects lack access to funding, grants, or investment mechanisms that could help them expand their initiatives.
- Gaps in Climate Education & Skills Development: A shortage of technical knowledge, training, and access to climate-smart technologies limits the full participation of youth in the green economy.
- Limited Representation in Policy & Decision-Making: Youth are often excluded from national and regional climate governance structures, hindering their ability to influence the policies that affect their future.
- Vulnerability to Climate Shocks: Climate-induced disasters, such as droughts and floods, disproportionately affect young people, especially those involved in agriculture and pastoralism.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
To maximize the impact of youth in climate resilience, IGAD recognizes the importance of creating an enabling environment that empowers young people to lead the way in addressing climate challenges. This includes:
- Enhanced Youth Participation in Climate Governance: IGAD is working to integrate youth into decision-making platforms at both regional and national levels, ensuring their voices are heard in the formulation of policies that shape the future of climate resilience.
- Investment in Youth-Led Green Innovations: IGAD is expanding access to funding, mentorship, and capacity-building programs to support youth-driven innovations in sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and environmental protection.
- Climate Education & Skills Development: IGAD promotes training programs, research opportunities, and technology transfers to equip young people with the technical expertise necessary for green jobs and climate adaptation.
- Stronger Regional Collaboration: IGAD fosters collaboration between young climate leaders and policymakers across its Member States, helping to create a regional network of youth innovators and advocates.
- Resilient Livelihoods for Young People: IGAD is implementing climate adaptation programs that protect youth-led businesses and agricultural enterprises from the impacts of climate shocks, ensuring young people’s livelihoods are safeguarded.
Youth: Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future
Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are already leading today. Through their creativity, energy, and passion for sustainable solutions, they are driving climate action and making a significant impact on their communities and beyond.
By empowering youth, investing in their potential, and equipping them with the tools and resources they need, IGAD is ensuring that the youth of the IGAD region can turn climate challenges into opportunities. Through this collective effort, IGAD and its partners are building a greener, more resilient future for all.
Together, we can harness the power of youth to create a sustainable, climate-resilient IGAD region.
