AU partners Hustlers Summit in hosting Climate Change symposium

AS Zimbabwe prepares to host the 44th Sadc Heads of State Summit in August, the African Union (AU) chairperson’s special envoy, Ms Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, in partnership with Bulawayo’s gigantic Hustlers Summit and the International Federation Red Cross (IFRC) is set to host a highly interactive Youth Symposium and Training on Climate Change and Entrepreneurship.

The event runs from July 1-5. Chief executive officer of Hustlers Summit, Mr Nkosana George Mazibisa, said preparations are at an advanced stage.

Delegates will be drawn from different youth associations, clubs and networks to promote inclusion, and cross-pollination of ideas in formulating solutions around climate change.

“The symposium is set to equip and empower young people with meaningful and relevant skills essential for engaging in climate action, ranging from understanding climate science to effective advocacy strategies ahead of global engagements such as Cop29 and the United Nations Summit of the Future, to ensure access and opportunities for Zimbabwean youth,” said Mr Mazibisa.

“The symposium will feature interactive sessions, expert presentations, group discussions and practical activities aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of climate change, fostering leadership skills, and facilitating networking opportunities.”

It will conclude with a tree-planting activity in marginalised communities across Bulawayo spearheaded by Ms Mpemba.

To date, Ms Mpemba has planted a total of 500 trees in Kenya, Madagascar and South Africa as part of an initiative to encourage young people to take climate action in their communities and to play their part in offsetting their carbon footprints.

Presentations from experts will further address the climate knowledge deficit among African youth by providing comprehensive insights into the causes, impacts and solutions of climate change, fostering a deeper understanding of its complexities.

Ms Mpemba, a former Girls College student in Bulawayo, made history as the youngest diplomat currently elected in the Cabinet of the Chairperson of the AU. She sits on the board of the Climate Governance Commission co-chaired by the former President of Ireland, Mary Robison.

Contacted for a comment, Ms Mpemba, who is in Brazil for the G20 preparatory meetings as part of the youth engagement committee, said she is looking forward to being in Bulawayo for the Climate Change Symposium, the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032).

“I acknowledge the urgency of engaging youth in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change. It emphasises the importance of empowering African youth through meaningful platforms and programmes to ensure their voices and perspectives are adequately represented in decision-making processes,” she said.

The Symposium comes at the right time when Bulawayo has launched the Youth Climate Action Fund, a micro-grant funding of up to US$5 000 for innovative solutions to the city’s climate challenge.

The Bulawayo City Council is one of 100 municipalities that have been awarded funding and technical support to catalyse a grassroots movement of climate action driven by local youth.

This initiative is specifically targeting young people aged 15 to 24 years — a critical demographic for addressing the climate change crisis.

Applications are now open for youth-led projects and initiatives that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build climate resilience, or raise awareness within the community. — @MbuleloMpofu