Denis Sassou-N’Guesso launches initiative to create African Youth Climate Council

Brazzaville. The President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou-N’Guesso, announced, on the sidelines of the International Forum on Sustainable Development in Brazzaville, a new pan-African initiative: the creation of a Youth Climate Council under the African Union.

In his speech, the head of state emphasized that the continent’s future depends on the active involvement of young people in environmental decision-making. “We cannot speak about Africa’s future without those to whom this future belongs. Their energy, innovative thinking, and mastery of digital tools are the key to the green transition,” the president stated.

According to the initiative, the Council will consist of two representatives from each region of the African Union, aged 20 to 35 – scientists, activists, tech entrepreneurs, and community leaders. The Council will have a right to consultation during AU climate summits and will be tasked with promoting concrete youth-led projects in the fields of renewable energy, agricultural adaptation, and ecosystem protection.

The initiative has already received preliminary support from several African leaders and has been described by experts as an important step toward institutionalizing the role of youth in the African climate agenda. The official decision to establish the Council is expected to be considered at the next African Union summit.