Rwanda Climate Chance and Development Network (RCCDN) and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) put their strengths together aiming to inspire and empower youth to take action for environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation. This was done by Gala Night which brought in youth inclusion and awareness raising on the climate change matter.
The urgency to address this global crisis is paramount in light of Africa’s vulnerability to climate change. The recent devastating events in Rwanda serve as a stark reminder of the need for collective efforts in defending against the impacts of climate change. Recognising the pivotal role of young people, the Environmental Protect and Climate Justice Gala Night aims to create a platform for joint learning, information sharing, and collaboration.
What role will this Gala Night play in Environmental Protect and Climate Justice?
The RCCDN and REMA collaborated in organizing this Environmental Protection and Climate Justice Gala Night as a way of celebrating World Environment Week; amongst many other activities, this then was on the sidelines. Therefore, this event conforms to multiple objectives, aiming to bring together the youth, policy-makers, and development partners to facilitate joint learning, networking, and collaborating.
To ensure the well-going of the event, there might be the provision of platforms for the Youth Climate in Action Initiative which was to play the key role in all the organized performances, showcasing their mobilization capacity and initiatives, raising awareness about climate change and environmental protection.
The innovation that showcases youth action in the climate justice-seeking and environment protection awareness raising
The revealers of this Gala Night were to witness a vibrant display of music, drama, dance and poetry performed by The Youth Climate Action Initiative (YCAI). These creative expressions convey crucial knowledge and details about the nexus between land and natural resources tenure, and ecosystem restoration. By adopting audio-visual forms of communication, and recognising different people’s preferences, mainly youth, some written and non-written pieces in message giving and receiving way so effective.
Youth Climate in Action Initiative focusing on awareness raising and ensuring environmental protection
Engaging Youth as Climate Change Champions
Youth harbours a critical position in combating climate change issues, as they face an uncertain future deeply impacted by the concerning matter consequences. The global mobilization of young people demonstrated their immense power to hold decision-makers accountable for their actions. Exceeding being victims, young people are invaluable contributors to climate action, offering fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the determination to drive change. All these are through education, science and technology, young individuals are scaling up their efforts to accelerate climate action.
Dialogues and Collaboration
This Gala Night as in being a unique opportunity for young participants to directly address high-level speakers, posing fundamental questions that are most relevant and urgent for the country. This interactive exchange fosters dialogues between experienced elders and the youth, paving the way for potential collaborations, joint programs, and next steps. These also benefit government agencies, development partners, non-state actors, and private sector practitioners interested in supporting and engaging with youth-driven climate change initiatives.
Dialogues and collaborations can help a lot to engage youth in taking climate related action
This Environmental Protection and Climate Justice Gala Night signifies a consequential step in empowering youth for climate action in Rwanda as the main actors were their counterparts, the ‘Youth Climate in Action Initiative’. By highlighting the potential of young individuals as agents of change, entrepreneurs and innovators, catalyzing collective efforts towards a sustainable future was the way forward through the fusion of creative expressions and insightful discussions.
To sum it up, the Gala Night scenery is on the stage for impactful collaborations, knowledge sharing and networking among stakeholders to ensure climate justice and environmental protection. As we forge ahead; it is so imperative that harnessing the power of youth engagement and working together to address the climate crisis be done, plus ensuring a better world for present and future generations.
