COP28 boosts youth engagement in climate action: Nigerian Minister

She highlighted the potential for groundbreaking innovation in climate action and mitigation strategies when youth actively engage in the process.

In her remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the COP28 meetings in Dubai, she pointed to the need to listen to young people and make them more involved in climate action with the aim of creating an enabling environment for them to acquire more knowledge about climate change.

She noted that young people have the energy, they have the ideas, and they are very concerned about this issue.

She said that the future belongs to young people, so it is important for them to be part of the process of securing the future for everyone by taking action against climate change.

The Minister pledged to create a youth advisory body focused on climate action, emphasising plans to engage, listen to, and educate young people on this crucial issue.

Dr. Jamila Ibrahim also pointed to the importance and vitality of integrating climate education and the green economy into school curricula from primary school to higher education institutions.

She noted that including this type of education in the curriculum and educating young people about climate action and the green economy does not require a lot of resources, but it will have a lot of impact on habits, behaviours, and mentality, which will lead to a change in lifestyle to reduce the carbon footprint while practising daily life.

The Minister stated that the plan involves partnering with the Federal Ministries of Education and Environment for a multi-sectoral approach, aiming to incorporate climate action and the green economy into school curricula.

She pointed out that during COP28, events involving young people leading climate action instill confidence and hope for the future, bolstering belief in achieving environmental goals and attaining net zero emissions as scheduled.