LocationsNamibian Youth Lead Climate Action at Local Conference of Youth
November 18, 2024
Group photo of the participants and guest speakers at the Namibian Youth Leaders in Climate Action at the Local Conference of Youth held in Windhoek.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Namibia supported the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), which took place at Protea Hotel Furstenhof on October 23-24, 2024. Under the theme "Youth at the Forefront: Driving National Climate Solutions," the LCOY brought together youth leaders, policymakers, and climate experts to discuss Namibia’s strategies for addressing climate change in preparation for COP29. Over 50 youth delegates from 14 regions attended the event, organized by a consortium of youth-led Non-Government Organisation (NGO).
The conference opened with a high-level session led by Inomuinjo Kapimbi, a high-school representative from School Environment Clubs (SEC), followed by a keynote address by European Union (EU) Ambassador Ana Martins, who reiterated the EU’s support for climate action and highlighted the importance of youth involvement, women’s rights, and marginalised communities in adaptation efforts. A representative from YOUNGO, the Official Children and Youth Constituency to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), introduced delegates to the climate negotiation process, sharing tools to amplify youth voices.
Picture of the European Union (EU) ambassador to Namibia Ana Martins
The sessions began with key insights from the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), where Eddie Shiimi highlighted the critical role of biodiversity in supporting climate adaptation, particularly in Namibia’s arid ecosystems. Following this, participants engaged in breakout groups to address core topics such as climate vulnerability, advocacy strategies, and adaptation actions. These discussions generated innovative ideas to inform a youth-driven climate action strategy focused on climate education, capacity-building, and a just transition.
The discussions from these breakout groups align closely with Namibia’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), which provides a strategic framework for transitioning to a sustainable, low-emission, and climate-resilient future. This strategy complements the objectives of Namibia's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, emphasizing strengthened adaptation measures and enhanced resilience to mitigate the impacts of climate change on populations and livelihoods. Together, the LT-LEDS and NDC 3.0 form a cohesive framework to drive Namibia’s sustainability and climate resilience efforts forward.
The conference also provided a platform for various youth-led organisations to showcase ongoing climate initiatives. Organisations like Wakapinya Environmental Organisation, Youth4CAN, Future Africa Namibia, and Youth Chamber of Environment presented their projects and achievements, inspiring further collaboration.
The On Day 2, focused on climate mitigation and loss and damage, Theophilia Ndahalele from the City of Windhoek highlighted opportunities in waste management for youth, and representatives from Namibia’s Green Hydrogen project discussed the country’s green industrialisation strategy. The Daures Green Hydrogen, Valley Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jerome Nawaseb, elaborated on green ammonia’s role in agriculture and the educational opportunities available in this sector.
A significant session on indigenous knowledge and climate action led by Dr. Sioni Ikela from the International University of Management (IUM) emphasised the role of local knowledge in water management and biodiversity. The Namibia Integrated Landscape Approach for Enhancing Livelihoods (NILALEG) project was also introduced, with a focus on youth-led landscape management activities in rural areas.
Picture from the group discussion at the Local Conference of Youth in Windhoek.
The conference concluded with an inspiring address from renowned climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe. Her session encouraged youth to turn climate anxiety into action, emphasising hope and the global support community. The day wrapped up with a vote of thanks by Mr. Jasper Kassoma, with youth delegates pledging to combat climate change. A post-conference feedback form allowed them to share insights and commit to further action.
Through the support of UNDP Namibia, EU Namibia, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Namibia this event empowered young Namibians, setting a promising path for active youth participation in national and global climate discussions.
