President Ruto calls for youth leadership in climate change conversation

While giving his address at the Africa Youth Climate Assembly 2023 held at the Kenyatta International
Convention Centre, President William Ruto urged young people to take center stage in the global
climate change discourse. He emphasized the extraordinary potential of the youth voice, stating. He said that youth possess power and that their concerns cannot be overlooked anymore revealing that there is need to integrate a youth representative into the African Union (AU).

“This age group is so powerful that its voice can no longer be left at the periphery. We will ensure that the next summit of the AU has youth, not as attendees but with a statement on what they think the outfit should do,” President Ruto said.
Highlighting the importance of accurately valuing Africa’s carbon assets, Ruto called for the establishment of a carbon market aligned with global pricing standards. He emphasized, “Our carbon assets must account for our assets and must be valued correctly.”

Challenging misconceptions about Africa’s wealth, Ruto stated, “Africa has huge renewable resources
that are not yet captured in its asset books.” He urged the energetic and creative youth to lead the
charge in reshaping the narrative about Africa’s potential.

President Ruto was joined by key figures, including Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya. Dr Adesina affirmed AfDB’s commitment to reducing Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, stating, “We will keep accelerating green growth in Africa.”

Soipan Tuya encouraged young attendees to explore innovative ideas in green technologies.
President Ruto also called on Africa to tap into opportunities within the agricultural sector to create jobs and expand value-addition industries, while urging the global north to honor climate action
commitments.

This call for youth leadership and accurate valuation of Africa’s carbon assets marks a pivotal moment in the climate change conversation, as Africa strives to assert its wealth and the world’s youth emerge as influential voices in addressing the global climate crisis.