Participants and organisers, after the conference
ANIJIE Global Foundation, a non-profit organisation with a focus on social and economic empowerment of women, youth and children, has held the third edition of its annual African Youth Gender and Climate Conference (AYGCC), in Accra.
The conference was held under the theme: “Empowering Women and Youth As Climate Leaders: Bridging the Gender Gap and Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Change”, at the Accra Digital Centre over the weekend.
It was aimed at providing a platform for young leaders, activists, researchers and policymakers to discuss and address critical issues affecting climate change, gender equality and technological innovation.
With Africa experiencing the adverse impacts of climate change, while its women and youth are being disproportionately affected, there is minimal representation of African youth as key stakeholders in climate action, as well as their perspectives, innovations and leadership, essential for achieving climate resilience and sustainability.
Naomi Birago Opoku-Agyemang, Senior Youth Coordinator for Gender, Health and Inclusion at the National Youth Authority (NYA), in a keynote address, stressed on the need for continuous conversations addressing the gender gap in climate action.
“As we delve into discussions today, it is crucial to recognise the interconnectedness of our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 4, 5, and 13 – Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Climate Action. These goals serve as our compass, guiding us towards a sustainable and equitable future,” she said.
She insisted that the gender gap in climate action demands serious attention, and emphasised on government’s recognition of the power and potential of young Ghanaians in addressing climate change in the country.
Describing climate change as the biggest challenge confronting humanity, Hilde Opoku, Program Manager at the United Nations Habitat in charge of the Smart SDG Cities iterated that, “The need for climate action is more urgent than ever before. More ambitions and actions need to be taken at all levels of society.”
Dr. John Aggrey, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hired Consult, highlighted the crucial role women play in climate action and the need to empower them the more.
“We are all hard hit by the consequences of climate change, and women and youth, as the theme implies, offer unique gender perspectives and experiences that are immeasurable in shaping holistic and inclusive strategic policies,” he stated.
BY Nii Adjei Mensahfio