“The issue of climate change is no longer optional but a necessity for young people to take the lead in addressing its impacts,” said Sam Ogwal, 1st IGAD Youth Envoy, during the launch of the IGAD Regional Youth Coalition on Climate and Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems held today in Nairobi.

Emphasizing the role of young people in championing the climate agenda, Ogwal noted that there remains a significant gap in the recognition of youth-led initiatives.

“The efforts they are putting in place to address extreme heat in Djibouti, in Karamoja, and in the eastern part of Kenya are fundamental and deserve recognition,” he said.

Why This Coalition Matters

According to Dr. Abebe Tadege, Senior Climate Change Expert at ICPAC and Programme Coordinator, the coalition is the first initiative by IGAD to create structured spaces for youth engagement.

He noted that it will play a key role in shaping climate change policies across the IGAD region.

According to the United Nations, Africa has the youngest population in the world, with about 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30.

“Such a high number of young people is an opportunity for the continent’s growth, but only if these new generations are fully empowered to realise their best potential,” he said.

He added that it is especially important for young people to be included in decision-making processes and to be given appropriate opportunities to work and innovate.

Youth engagement, often underrepresented in regional dialogues, is expected to become more structured through the coalition, enabling coordinated advocacy across member states.

Inside the Nairobi Meeting

During the session, youth representatives from across IGAD member countries worked in groups to discuss the coalition’s Terms of Reference, governance structure, and work plan.

These discussions are expected to inform the broader framework to be adopted at the end of the two-day meeting.

What to Expect

By the end of the meeting, a functional youth coalition is expected to be launched, aimed at amplifying youth voices in high-level climate forums.

The growing focus on youth-led climate action in Africa has also attracted financial backing through various initiatives, complementing ongoing policy development and implementation efforts.

One such initiative is the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Agriculture, a USD 350 million, five-year partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which supports young people in building sustainable agricultural enterprises.

Speaking after the presentation of the initial draft and subsequent discussions, Muindi Maingi, a youth representative from Greening Mua Environmental Initiative, emphasized the importance of collaboration across generations.

“Intergenerational dialogue is important in bridging the gap and ensuring youth voices are heard,” he said.Highlighting the frameworks guiding parent organizations, Muindi added that the establishment of the youth coalition should be aligned, in part, with these existing structures.