Government Emphasizes Need To Strengthen Climate Finance As Zambia Hosts 2024 RCOY Southern-Africa

Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has emphasized the need to strengthen climate finance by leveraging on innovative ideas that the youth possess.

Principal Climate Change Officer-Adaptation and Information Education and Communication Officer, Kasanda Bunda, has stressed the need for policy makers to ensure that young people have access to information on climate finance as lack of accessibility and knowledge sharing is one of the challenges that many youths across Africa face.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the 2024 Regional Conference of Youth on Climate and Security (RCOY) Southern Africa in Lusaka, organized by COMESA in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations, Mr. Bunda has also called for enhanced collaboration with the private sector so that they can support young people’s innovative ideas on how to combat climate change.

And in a speech read for her by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representative James Wakiaga, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Muntali, says the conference presents an opportunity for young people to craft innovative climate solutions.

Ms. Muntali notes that Climate change has affected over 10 million people and livelihoods in Zambia owing to the drought which was recenlty declared a national disaster and emergency, therefore the conference is a critical step towards addressing this challenge.

Meanwhile, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Head-Governance, Peace and Security, Dr. Oita Etyang has called on policy makers to provide a platform for young people to come up with solutions to climate change challenges.

Dr. Etyang says young people can come together and share ideas on how to tackle the climate crisis because they have the energy, influence, and power to make a difference in society.

In his welcoming remarks, RCOY Chairperson Nawa Silishebo notes that Southern Africa’s future lies in the hands of young people because they too are affected by climate change.

Mr. Silishebo adds that the Conference provides a critical platform for young people to amplify their voices, by sharing ideas and experiences, as well as catalyzing action towards a more sustainable future.

The three-day conference is focusing on empowering young leaders in the Southern Africa region to enhance financial resilience in the face of climate change, fostering adaptation and mitigation strategies that are child and youth friendly.