By Fatima Oluwakemi Saka
A Nigerian youth, Mr. Noel Alumona, urging world leaders to empower young people to effectively combat the rampant issue of climate change that is impacting the globe.
Alumona, the founder of Boys Champions (BC) and a recipient of a United Nations award, made this compelling appeal while addressing both United Nations leaders and fellow youths. His address, titled “Climate Change and Youths Inclusion,” was presented on the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD), and his message has resonated widely.
International Youth Day is an annual event observed on August 12th, aimed at raising awareness and prompting action on challenges affecting the global youth population. The theme for the 2023 celebration is “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.”
Alumona highlighted the interconnected crises triggered by climate change and emphasized the potential transformation of challenges into opportunities through the empowerment of young people with green skills. He emphasized that the youth possess a unique understanding of these problems, given that their future is directly impacted. Equipped with sustainability knowledge, eco-skills, and technology acumen, young individuals are poised to devise solutions.
As the world approaches the midpoint of the journey toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Alumona stressed the urgency of commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He cautioned against inaction, which could result in irrevocable harm to the planet, citing observable effects such as increasing floods, droughts, and coastal erosion. Alumona pointed out that these changes disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities.
The passionate advocate emphasized the critical role that the voices and actions of young people play in advocating for global measures to combat and adapt to climate change challenges. As a youth representative himself, he stood for the multitude of young people worldwide, and urged leaders to prioritize young people’s skills and potential in the fight against climate change.
Alumona called for leaders to tap into the creativity, innovation, and enthusiasm of young people to foster inclusive societies and a sustainable world. He suggested initiatives such as eco-friendly innovation competitions to encourage youths to devise creative solutions to environmental issues. Alumona emphasized that the collective effort of many is essential for significant change to occur.
He recounted his own efforts through Boys Champions (BC), an organization that actively addresses gender-based violence and other abuses against women in Nigeria. Alumona’s impassioned plea for youth empowerment serves as a rallying cry for global leaders to collaborate with young people in forging a path toward a sustainable future in the face of climate change challenges.
