National Youth Authority CEO Urges Practical Action on Climate Change

Pius Enam Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Authority, has called for a balance between advocacy work on climate change and practical action on the ground. Speaking at the 2023 Economic and Social Council Youth Forum in New York, Hadzide urged young people to engage in communal activities such as community cleaning to gain practical experience of the situation on the ground. He cited Ghana’s National Youth Volunteer Program as an example of practical action, which has seen young volunteers build critical infrastructure such as schools in their communities.

The forum provides a platform for young people to engage in dialogue with Member States and other actors, to voice their concerns and galvanize action towards a fairer, greener, and more sustainable world, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum’s theme addresses the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels. Progress in the areas of clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation, infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals were also reviewed.

While advocacy and roundtable discussions on climate change are important, Hadzide noted the need for practical action, such as community clean-ups, tree planting, and renewable energy projects. He believes that practical experience is key in understanding the issues on the ground, and encourages young people to take action and make a difference in their communities. Ghana’s National Youth Volunteer Program is a successful example of this approach, where young volunteers have organized themselves to undertake infrastructure projects in their communities.

Hadzide’s call to action for young people to engage in practical climate action aligns with the SDGs, which recognize the importance of environmental sustainability, and the role of young people in achieving them. For the most part, the youth forum provides a valuable platform for young people to contribute to the global conversation on sustainable development and climate change. It is important that this conversation is translated into action at the community level, and Hadzide’s call for practical action is a step in the right direction.

Source: Adom online