Beyond COP Attendance: Young climate leaders call for knowledge-based participation in global decisions

Young climate leaders from across Africa say meaningful youth participation in climate governance must move beyond presence at international conferences to developing the technical knowledge needed to influence decisions.

Their call follows a week-long climate negotiation training organized under the African Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF) Cohort 5 by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) from July 4 to July 8, 2026 in Accra.

Participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Senegal were trained on climate diplomacy, negotiation processes, climate finance, the science of climate change and the workings of the United Nations climate system.

For many of the participants, the training revealed that effective participation in climate negotiations requires more than passion for climate action.

Sheila Anyango from Kenya, who is already part of Kenya’s climate negotiation team, said the fellowship helped her appreciate the importance of building technical capacity before entering negotiation spaces.

“It is one thing to want to serve your country, but it is another to be equipped to serve your country,” she said.

Ms. Anyango explained that climate negotiations are not simply about speaking but require strong understanding of scientific evidence, negotiation texts, and the history behind international agreements.

She said her next step is to continue strengthening her knowledge to enable her to contribute more effectively to Kenya’s climate processes.

Similarly, Urslah Ngala from Kenya described the training as an eye-opening experience that changed her understanding of climate diplomacy.

She said young people must recognize that negotiations are built on principles and knowledge rather than only advocacy.

“Talking is not just about negotiations. You really need to know what you are saying,” she said.

In Ghana, participant Emmanuel Kofi Mensah said the training deepened his understanding of climate finance and the relationship between governance and international negotiations.

He argued that political leaders and emerging policymakers also require adequate knowledge of climate issues to effectively represent national interests.

“Knowledge is power. Once I have the knowledge, I know I have the power,” he said.

Mr. Mensah said he intends to use the experience to strengthen climate advocacy through his work with youth organisations focused on climate change and youth development.

For Sarfoh Danquah, a Ghanaian climate adaptation advocate, the fellowship addressed an information gap he had experienced despite years of working on climate issues.

He said exposure to experienced climate negotiators and practical sessions helped him better understand international climate agreements and negotiation processes.

“It was transformational because I had always seen the negotiations, but there was a gap in my understanding. This training helped bridge that gap,” he said.

The Chairman of the African Group of Negotiators and Director of Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation at the EPA, Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, said the long-term goal is to ensure young Africans are not only observers of climate discussions but informed contributors.

He urged participants to continue learning, seek mentorship, and use available platforms to deepen their engagement.

The Executive Director of GAYO, Richard Matey, said Africa cannot afford youth participation that is merely symbolic, arguing that young people must be prepared to influence climate outcomes and implementation.

He said the future of climate governance requires young Africans who understand issues such as adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, and just transition.