Harare, Zimbabwe – The Second Climate Change and Development Conference, held in Harare on October 2nd and 3rd, brought together stakeholders from across Zimbabwe to forge a roadmap for sustainable development in the face of climate change. Running concurrently with the Local Conference of Children and Youth (LCOY) 2024, the event highlighted the crucial role young people play in shaping climate action.
The conference aimed to deepen understanding of the interconnectedness of climate change and development, foster inclusivity, address loss and damage, and ensure equitable access to climate finance. LCOY, with its “Catch them young” mantra, provided a platform for children and youth to contribute their perspectives and solutions to the climate crisis.
Through interactive sessions and presentations, LCOY empowered young participants to become climate advocates and environmental stewards. The conference emphasized the importance of youth voices in shaping a sustainable future, recognizing that they are the inheritors of the planet.
Key takeaways from LCOY included:
- Youth dedication to climate action: Young people demonstrated a passionate commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
- Need for greater inclusion: Participants stressed the importance of involving young people in climate-related decision-making processes.
- Representation gap: The conference highlighted the need for greater representation of rural and disabled youth in climate discussions.
Key recommendations from LCOY:
- Increased inclusion of marginalized youth: Ensuring that all young people, regardless of background, have a voice in climate action.
- Child-friendly climate documents: Making climate information accessible and understandable for children.
- Increased funding for youth-sensitive interventions: Supporting youth-led climate projects and initiatives.
- Greater youth representation at climate conferences: Ensuring young people have a seat at the table at national and international climate events.
A position paper was also drafted in preparation for COP29, demonstrating the commitment of Zimbabwean youth to contribute to global climate solutions.
Green Hut Trust as part of the LCOY organizing team
Green Hut Trust was proud to be part of the organizing team for this important event, representing both the organization and the Urban Futures project funded by Hivos. This project focuses on building climate-resilient urban food systems with young people as leaders. LCOY aligns perfectly with Green Hut Trust’s mission of bringing youth to the forefront of climate action and decision-making by recognizing thats youths are not just one of the most vulnerable groups to the impacts of climate change but also capable solution bearers.
In preparation for COP 29, it is important to spotlight important agenda items to be prioritized by the Zimbabwean delegation. Side sessions were conducted to discuss some of these agendas which included climate finance, action for climate empowerment (ACE), carbon markets, transparency and agriculture as well as cross cutting issues. Youth experts such as Lisa Chitura from Environmental Rights Advocacy Trust , Mellisa Murwira from Young Volunteers of the Environment and Cinderella Ndlovu from Green Hut Trust shared their insights as COP negotiatiors and how young people can participate and hone their skills as climate change experts.
Children from different schools in an around Harare participated in interactive activities which enabled them to also discuss and contribute to the children and youth statement on the sidelines of the conference. Nonkanyiso Gumede and Memory Masakara from Green Hut Trust who facilitated the children activities indicated how children where able to atticulate very well what they think should be prioritized when it comes to addressing the climate crisis in the country. Their contributions where very insightful and gave a unique perspective
The Second Climate Change and Development Conference and LCOY 2024 marked a significant step forward in Zimbabwe’s journey toward a sustainable future. By empowering young people to become climate leaders, the event has laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and effective climate action strategy.