KIPPRA held a Youth in Climate Action Symposium on 23rd September, 2022 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), in Nairobi. The theme of the event was “Building Momentum for COP-27 with Youth in Climate Change Action”. The symposium brought together youth working in climate change from different sectors, to exchange views on how to amplify their voices, strengthen their movement, and contribute towards collective action in climate change.
The event was a collaborative initiative between KIPPRA and organizations under the Kenya Youth Climate Change Directorate, and brought together over 150 youth participants. The initiative is in line with KIPPRA’s role of building capacity and providing a platform for stakeholders to dialogue on policy issues.
KIPPRA Executive Director Dr Rose Ngugi and the Founder of the Youth Greenspace Action and Network Organisation Mr Tomas Hurdsone officially opened the event.
The symposium featured a capacity building session where speakers shared their organizations’ experiences and lessons learnt in championing climate change initiatives. The youth were given pointers to strengthen and sustain their movements and harness their efforts to create more impact for climate action. The event was moderated by Mr Isaac Ndirangu and Ms Samita Mwanicky, who are leading various initiatives in climate change action.
The symposium included a panel session that discussed creation of value in climate change action, role of communication and ways of strengthening and sustaining youth movements. The panelists were Fr. Stephen Makaguta, Ms Joyce Owino (National Youth Council) and Danube Kirt (UNEP).
It also featured presentations on the circular economy, food systems, climate justice and human rights and protection and restoration of wetlands. Ms Linda Makau moderated the panel session.
Other youth speakers, who were also part of plannning the event, were Ms Jecinta Anomat (KIPPRA), Mr Timothy Ndegwa (We don’t Have time), Mr Apollo Karuga (LCOY) , Ms Irene Asuwa (Ecological Justice) and Mr Benson Mogaka (Wetlands Conservation Organization).