Global Youth Leadership Center is set to convene 500 youths from around the world at its second Global Youth Climate Summit in Dar es Salaam.
The Global Youth Leadership Center, in collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Service Agency, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, and the Institute of Resource Assessment at the University of Dar es Salaam, is hosting the second Global Youth Climate Summit 2023.
The four-day event is set to take place from Wednesday to Saturday at the University of Dar es Salaam, said a press release issued on Tuesday.
The event is set to bring together 200 youth delegates and speakers from 24 countries, as well as engaging more than 300 virtual delegates from around the world.
The Global Youth Climate Summit is a milestone event dedicated to amplifying the voices of young leaders from the Global South in the ongoing battle against climate change. It seeks to empower youth with practical experiences and knowledge in climate science, climate leadership, advocacy, and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on fostering social enterprise for a sustainable future.
One of the standout features of the summit is the immersive learning experience it offers through field visits, reads the press release.
Delegates this year will have the opportunity to explore mangrove plantations in Mbweni, Dar es Salaam, and the Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest. These visits will provide hands-on insights into the dynamics of conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable livelihoods, equipping youth with the tools to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
A constellation of high-profile speakers, including Dr Selemani Saidi Jafo, minister of state, Vice President’s Office, Union and Environment, Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki, minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Sir David King, former chief scientific advisor to the UK government, Dr Saleemul Huq, one of seven UN secretary general’s scientific advisors, and prominent youth climate activists from different countries, will speak at the summit.
A press conference to announce the launch of the Global Youth Climate Summit was held on Tuesday, at the Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam.
"As we tackle the global challenge of climate change, collaboration across borders isn't merely an option—it's imperative,” said GYLC CEO and Founder Ejaj Ahmad in the press conference.
“Global Youth Climate Summit 2023 serves as a crucial platform, aiming to broaden youth's understanding of climate science, strengthen leadership skills, and champion their impactful climate action projects,” he added.
Professor Dos Santos Silayo, conservation commissioner and CEO of the Tanzania Forest Service Agency, together with Professor Joel Nobert, director of the Institute for Resource Assessment at the University of Dar es Salaam, emphasized the critical need to empower youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to confront the climate crisis.
They highlighted Tanzania's leadership in Africa, particularly in safeguarding forests and advancing climate adaptation research.
Prominent Tanzanian youth leaders Shamim Wasii Nyanda and Beatrice Phiri, the 2021 GYLC Youth Climate Champion from Guinea, echoed these sentiments during the press conference. They emphasized the pivotal role of youth in climate conversations and advocated for providing African youth with green skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Bracand the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) in Dar es Salaam are the gold sponsors of the summit, while Tanzania Commercial Bank and Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel are silver sponsors.
Doors of Hope Foundation is the local youth organization partner and Ashoka is the knowledge partner of the summit.
