The Federal Government has announced its intention to use youth-led solutions to address the effects of climate change. 

This was revealed by the Youth Development Minister, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum, which was part of the 42nd UNESCO General Conference in Paris, France. 

She said the government was committed to working with the global community to help developing countries cope with climate change and achieve economic growth.

Furthermore, she said the youths, who make up about 70% of Nigeria’s population, are the most vulnerable and the most innovative in dealing with this challenge. 

“The youth are the ones who suffer the most from this challenge and the ones who also have the most creative solutions,” she said.

She also outlined the President’s plan to enhance youth involvement in climate action in Nigeria, which includes; Empowering grassroots youths, using a bottom-up approach to climate action, reaching out to youths in border communities, addressing their exclusion and the specific climate impacts they face.

“Supporting youth-led initiatives by providing skills and funding to those already engaged in climate interventions while building the capacities of new ones.

“Implementing educational and policy programs to raise climate awareness and action and promoting inclusive policies, and fostering international partnerships for collaborative efforts,” she said.