An online session that explored the many ways in which Ethiopian youth are leading the way in combating climate change in their home country.entitled Climate Action in Addis: Youth Leading the Way took place on Thursday.
The session which was held on Zoom and broadcast on the British Council Ethiopia Facebook page. It is co-organised by the High-level Climate Action Champions, the British Council in Ethiopia, and The Youth Print. Prominent youth working in the climate space discussed the state of climate action in Ethiopia with the High-Level Climate Action Champion for COP26 Nigel Topping and UN High-Level Climate Action Champion for COP25 Gonzalo Munoz.
The young Ethiopians spoke about and showcased their climate action and received feedback from the High-Level Climate Action Champions. The event also showcased The Climate Connection which the British Council is spearheading and the many opportunities that it offers to young Ethiopians.
The event was moderated by Yared Abera, from The Youth Print – an Ethiopian civil society
organization working towards attainment of the SDGs by creating and supporting innovative youth projects. Yared is also part of the Enfluencer Network, which was launched by COP President Delegate Alok Sharma earlier this year.
The dialogue shared experiences from youth across Ethiopia and explored:
1. The climate concerns, insights, and probing questions of Ethiopian youth.
2. The role of the High Level Champions and the progress being made by the High Level Climate Champions both globally and specifically in Africa.
3. Climate action being taken right now by Ethiopian youth panelists.
4. The task of passing on the baton and reflections on an African High-Level Climate Champion for COP27 and a COP27 Presidency.
The conversation is said will give youth the chance to learn, to have their voices heard, their work showcased and to directly engage with the national figures addressing climate change right now, including the High Level Climate Actions Champions and everyone else.