Fifty young people from across the country are gathered in Windhoek for a two-day summit to explore and develop solutions for the climate challenges.

The summit will discuss adaptive strategies for climate impacts, carbon emissions reduction, ensuring a fair transition to renewable energy, and promoting sustainable development and green jobs.

The event is part of the global build-up to COP29 for youth leaders, experts, and policymakers to deliberate on how Namibia can effectively address climate change effects.

This summit serves as a vital platform for youth leaders to influence policy and take action toward a sustainable future.

One of the programme leaders, Jasper Kassoma, mentioned that the goal of the summit is to create a youth statement and a strategic plan for the period from 2023 to 2030.

"The local conference of youth is to bring young people all over Namibia together under one umbrella, ensuring that they deliberate on climate action. So, ideally, we are hoping now to come up with a youth statement and a strategic plan for 2023 to 2030."

The summit will further deliberate on green industrialisation, job creation, expanding access to clean energy, and equitable energy transition.

The EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Martins, said addressing the climate crisis requires global cooperation, particularly with partner countries such as Namibia. 

"For us, the way climate change and tackling climate change together with our partners at Elementor, we have very strong reasons. Inside the EU, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to contribute to our efforts towards reducing normal climate change, we need partners for that, and Libya is a cherished partner. For us, this is important because we have a huge talent base. We have huge talent every year around the globe."

The event is organised by the Local Conference of Youth.