This week, I had the privilege of interacting with dynamic young minds from different youth groups, present at the conference. Those that stood out most were members from African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC), United Nations International Childrens Fund (UNICEF), Generation Earth and Plant for the Planet. This enabled me to get firsthand knowledge on their role at the conference and the journey it took to get there.

These incredibly inspiring, precocious young individuals, all had unique stories, but their message remained the same despite the borders that separate them; they were united in their passion for the environment, committed to educate fellow youth and intent on changing the mindsets of a generation that blatantly ignores climate change warning signs - causing the youth to be the custodians of a perilous future.

From Nairobi to Durban

Ms Sylvia Wachira, the continental co-coordinator for the AYICC and two of her colleagues took me through their journey from Kenya to South Africa in the famous ‘climate caravan’. During their journey, the ‘climate-caravan’ stopped in 18 countries, which included; Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana. They were greeted by world renowned artists, some being, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Attracting and educating the youth to take part in climate related events via a series of concerts and rallies.

Their aim was to get young Africans to voice their concerns on an international stage, especially since their continent is hardest hit by climate related impacts. This is because Africa faces more severe effects than any other region because its economies rely on agriculture which is climate dependant and as a result, the capacity for Africans to adapt and cope is very limited.

This journey, gathered thousands of signatures from different countries. This aimed to seek a global commitment on curbing climate change, in order to shield the most vulnerable from climate related consequences.

After a two week drive, the long journey of hope, sacrifice and commitment undertaken by 150 youth culminated in an event on the eve of COP17. The petition was handed over to UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Christina Figueres, COP17 president and South Africa’s minister of International Relations Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu also of South Africa. 

I truly commend those involved in the “We Have Faith: Act Now for Climate Justice” caravan. It reached out to thousands of youth and has fulfilled its role in stimulating conversation and further understanding on the seriousness of the climate situation, both inside and outside the climate change conference.