Why should youths in Africa care about climate change?
Because we are being affected by the climate crisis. Globally, everyone is affected by climate change; but in Africa, we are affected in a unique way. Take deforestation and the lack of access to water because of drought. There’s food insecurity because bad weather conditions affect agriculture. And so much more. As I mentioned before, because we’re the largest demographic in Africa, we must be at the forefront of discussions on climate change.
I’m glad that the African Union appointed African Youth Peace Ambassadors for the various regions in Africa. And we’ve been having consultations regarding a Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security. As I speak, Youth Peace Ambassadors are in Nigeria to consult on that framework and to assist in rolling out a national action plan on peace and security.
Let’s talk about peace and security in Africa. How do conflicts in countries affect young people?
It affects us a lot because conflicts interrelate with other challenges. They affect the economy. They affect social dynamics. And a lot can be done in this regard. I’m glad that the African Union appointed African Youth Peace Ambassadors for the various regions in Africa. And we’ve been having consultations regarding a Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security. As I speak, Youth Peace Ambassadors are in Nigeria to consult on that framework and to assist in rolling out a national action plan on peace and security. I will be heading to Zimbabwe straight from here [New York] as part of that process.
In terms of political leadership and policy decisions, young Africans are demanding a seat at the table. How much progress is being made in this regard?
My role itself speaks to progress. My position was created within the African Union. Again, I believe more needs to be done. Currently, I’m advocating for African leaders to appoint youth advisers. I hope that, in the coming years, more leaders will appoint youth advisors within their offices.
In terms of representation and inclusion of youth at the executive level, there is a challenge of young people not having the required experience for these roles. But we often forget that we come with innovation, unique expertise and a willingness to learn.
You are a young woman yourself. In your work, do you pay special attention to issues that affect girls?
Yes. It’s something dear to my heart. I’m very passionate about issues that affect young girls, and within my office currently, we have plans for programmes that focus on young girls because we have a responsibility to ensure that our future generation, including the young girls, are empowered.
For young people worldwide, my message is that the future is in our hands. We must act now. We must influence decisions that affect us.
I assume it’s not all been smooth sailing for you. What challenges have you faced so far?
The office of the AU Youth Envoy was created less than four years ago. I’m the second youth envoy. Therefore, we need to continue to lay a solid foundation for this role. It’s a challenge that comes with mobilising capacity and resources for a full-fledged office. It’s also an opportunity because this is our time as Africans to shape what we’d like the continent to be, and I believe we can do so.
What would success look like for you when you complete your tenure?
It is building a legacy for young people that goes beyond me, something continuous so that the next youth envoy will meet a strong foundation. It is ensuring that there are best practices in place that can be replicated in Africa and indeed globally.
The world will be marking International Youth Day on 12 August. What is your message to young people globally, particularly those in Africa?
For young people worldwide, my message is that the future is in our hands. We must act now. We must influence decisions that affect us. To young people in Africa, I say we constitute a large share of our population and it’s important that we harness our potential to build the Africa that we want.