Walvis Bay will join 38 other local authorities at the US-based Johns Hopkins University's new Youth Climate Action Fund, where it will receive close to N$1 million for disbursement to youth-led climate action initiatives.
This was brought to light by Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes at the ordinary council meeting.
Forbes says efforts stemming from the new Youth Climate Action Fund will advance critical community goals such as meeting decarbonisation commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions.
Cities that respond to the urgency of the moment and commit the initial N$50,000 within six months will receive an additional N$100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over a year.
Meanwhile, the Junior Council will travel to Zimbabwe for the annual national conference in Victoria Falls.
The conference, he says, will serve as a beacon for the development of children's involvement in local governance and service delivery, paving the way for a brighter future where young voices are not only heard but actively shaping communities.
The trip to Zimbabwe, he added, is an enriching experience for the young representatives, providing them with invaluable insights and skills that will undoubtedly empower them to become effective leaders in the future.
Through their participation in this conference, the junior councillors have not only enhanced their leadership abilities but will also showcase the town's commitment to fostering youth involvement in decision-making processes, he says.
"Their presence at the conference not only highlights our town's progressive approach to youth engagement but also underscores the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders who will undoubtedly shape the future of our community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NAMPORT and Freddy Fish Processor for their financial assistance to ensure that the JCC members had pocket money, and to all those who supported this transformative journey."
Together, he says, they will lay the foundation for a more inclusive and participatory society, where every voice, regardless of age, is given the platform it deserves.
"I commend our junior councillors for their outstanding representation of our city and for their commitment to driving positive change within our community. Lastly, I would like to announce that Walvis Bay will join Bloomberg Philanthropies' new Youth Climate Action Fund, which will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate tens of thousands of young people ages 15–24 to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in cities and towns across the globe."
This includes the mobilisation of tree-planting or public education campaigns, launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives, and participating in mitigation planning or preparedness programmes.