Zanzibar. Africa is putting youth and women at the center of its climate agenda, with the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) mandating their integration across all levels of climate negotiations and decision-making.
During a strategic meeting in Zanzibar, the AGN highlighted that young people and women are both disproportionately affected by climate change and uniquely positioned to shape innovative solutions.
“Youth and women are agents of change—not just victims of climate injustice,” the AGN declared. “Their full and meaningful participation is essential to Africa’s climate leadership.”
The meeting endorsed several measures to boost representation, including targeted training programs, gender-sensitive policies, and capacity-building in technical working groups.
The AGN also praised the Tanzania Youth Climate Action Group for setting up a training center for young climate leaders.
Delegates called on governments and development partners to support initiatives that prepare youth and women to lead climate action at local, national, and international levels.
As Africa gears up for COP30, the inclusion of youth and gender perspectives is seen as critical to ensuring equity and intergenerational justice in climate policy.
Delegates warned that failure to invest in the next generation could weaken the continent’s long-term climate resilience.
The AGN pledged to champion youth and gender inclusion in all future negotiations and capacity-building efforts, ensuring that Africa’s climate solutions are as inclusive as they are ambitious.