Children demand their voices heard on climate issues

As the Africa Climate Summit got underway in Nairobi on Monday, Ellyaynne Wanjiku Chlstun, one of Africa’s youngest Climate Finance and Biodiversity Champion stood out as a powerful force in the field of environmental conservation, climate finance, and biodiversity advocacy

Thirteen-year-old Ellyanne received a standing ovation for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to tackling pressing global issues.

According to Ellyanne, the climate summit which is aimed at influencing policy-making and decision-making should ensure that the voice of children and adolescents isn’t just heard but acted upon.

“The climate voice of the youth should be empowered, amplifying climate finance, prioritising children’s health, education and ensuring inclusive environmental decision-making in Africa, among other significant points,” said Ellyanne.

She has also emphasised the urgent need for robust financial reforms, regenerative futures and sustainable business models.

Ellyanne’s passion for environmental conservation was ignited at a tender age and she fell in love with nature.

“Growing up surrounded by lush landscapes and witnessing the impact of climate change on her community, I was driven to take meaningful action,” she said during an interview on the side-lines of the ongoing climate summit.

Ellyanne has become a beacon of hope for young individuals worldwide and her journey serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging youth to engage in activism, conservation efforts, and sustainable initiatives.

She firmly believes that young people have the potential to drive transformative change.

According to the youngster, achieving large-scale environmental goals requires innovative financing solutions.

Through her advocacy for climate finance, she seeks to raise awareness about the financial mechanisms needed to support sustainable projects.

Her efforts bridge the gap between environmental conservation and economic viability.

Ellyanne’s dedication to addressing climate change led her to launch an ambitious tree planting campaign.

With unwavering determination, she has successfully planted more than 1.3 million trees in various regions.

Her efforts are not only contributing to carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change but also restoring vital habitats for countless species.

Pact declaration

Ellyanne’s exceptional accomplishments have garnered international recognition and praise and has been featured in media outlets, participated in high-level discussions on climate change, and received awards for her outstanding contributions.

She says her most compelling goal is to inspire a worldwide movement by setting her sights on planting one trillion trees globally, she envisions a future where communities across the planet collaborate to counteract climate change and preserve biodiversity.

On Saturday, children and young advocates from Africa came together to express their concerns and aspirations regarding climate change and global financial justice.

The youngsters who converged in Nairobi for the first ever Global Child-led Climate Change Summit showcased their collective resolve and commitment towards a greener, brighter future.

The children’s summit, which was organised on the side-lines of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, presented the New Children’s Global Financial Pact Declaration initially introduced in Paris earlier in June.

“We stand at the crossroads of life or death, and the choices we make today will shape the world that the generations we inherit. Let us choose the path of justice, equality, and sustainability,” said Sierra Leone Children Forum Network National Vice President Foday Bangura.

“We seek the world’s support in empowering our advocacy. Allow us to highlight climate-induced child rights violations and share our solutions. Prioritise Children’s Health and Education,” the children said in their resolutions.

The children from Africa are demanding a shift from outdated economic models to systems that champion humanity and the environment as vital.

Global carbon trade

The children are also demanding transparency in global carbon trade to safeguard Africa’s vulnerable communities and encourage national and international entities to empower African communities in biodiverse investments.

“It is imperative that African governments also consult their people, especially children, on environmental decisions. As the future’s custodians, our voices matter,” the children.

“African governments must allocate resources transparently and equitably, ensuring marginalised communities’ benefit from investments,” they added.

The children are also advocating that African governments prioritise a comprehensive educational reform focusing on climate change and conservation, and digital empowerment to foster green initiatives in schools.