Africa-Press – Eritrea. Children from Global South are now calling for inclusion of their voices to address issues affecting them.
Speaking during the first ever Global Child-led Climate Change Summit on Saturday, the children proposed ten issues they want tackled.
Ellyanne Githae, 13, a Kenyan, called for the inclusion of African children’s voices in environmental decision making.
She said it’s imperative that African governments consult their people, especially children, on environmental decisions.
“As the future’s custodians, our voices matter,” Githae said.
She also demanded for financial accountability and equity by African governments, stating that they must allocate resources transparently and equitably.
“African leaders should ensure marginalised communities benefit from investments,” she added.
Githae appealed for environmental and digital empowerment as well as green energy advocacy and investments in rural Africa.
“African leaders must prioritise a comprehensive educational reform focusing on climate change and conservation,and digital empowerment to foster green initiatives in schools,” she said.
“They must also champion for green energy eliminating solar import duties and boost investments in rural heartlands to ensure sustainable farming practices and community upliftment.”
The summit was held from August 31 to September 2 at the Kenya Technical Trainers College in Gigiri.
The children said they are driven by a shared belief in the power of their voices to effect positive change and advocate for global financial justice, poverty eradication and climate action.
Speaking during a press briefing, Sierra Leone’s Foday Bangura, 17, urged leaders to support their climate voice, adding that this will allow them to highlight climate-induced child rights violations and share their solutions.
He also called for prioritisation of children’s health and education, imploring global stakeholders to boost support for community empowerment, address climate change’s impacts on children’s health and ensure African girls’ education and protection from forced marriages.
“We insist on robust climate finance and demand for global financial reform,” Bangura said.
“A shift from outdated economic models to systems that champion humanity, and the environment is vital. Business models should prioritise our rights, job creation and the eradication of poverty.”
“Our lives and our nations’ futures depend on this commitment.”
Bangura also called for an inter-generational pact for a regenerative future as well as an equitable carbon trade and biodiverse investments for Africa.
This, he said, is a call for a just transition to a regenerative future for all and an inter-generational commission to redefine their social contract and birth a new economy prioritizing our planet.
“Both global and African leaders must ensure transparency in global carbon trade to safeguard Africa’s vulnerable communities as well as encourage national and international entities to empower African communities in biodiverse investments,” he added.
Githae added that this transformation is not just an option but is an imperative that must be met for the sake of children and their shared future.
“We stand at the crossroads of life and death, and the choices we make today will shape the world that generations after we inherit,” she said.
“With shared dreams for a brighter, greener future and a commitment to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants, we, the children from across the globe, collectively sign and affirm our commitment to the above calls to action. We voice our hopes, concerns, and aspirations in unity, trusting in the power of collective action to usher in the change we wish to see,” Bangura added.
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