By Elaine Chiroto
Young climate leaders took center stage on the 7th of August at the National Youth Dialogue on Climate Justice in Harare, setting a unified agenda to influence national and global climate policy frameworks ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
The event, facilitated by Mr. Justin Salani, Co-Director, and Research and Policy Lead at Clima21st, brought together activists, youth traditional leaders, government agencies, and diplomats to amplify youth voices in the fight for a sustainable future.
The programme was graced by the newly appointed Netherlands Deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Ilyaas Sherally, who delivered a firm message of solidarity and encouragement to the youth, urging boldness in climate advocacy.“A livable future is not a gift someone will just hand to us. We have to demand it. We must create it,” he said.
The ambassador praised organisers Clima21st and We Are Tomorrow Global Partnership for their critical role in mobilising youth-led climate action. He was accompanied by the Netherlands Embassy Climate Policy Officer, Mr. Harry Davies.
Ambassador Sherally echoed the Zimbabwean government’s mantra, “leaving no one, and no place behind,” stressing that the fight for climate justice must prioritise marginalised communities.“As we seek climate justice, we must make sure that nobody and no place is left behind.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Richwell Musoma, NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator, emphasised the government’s recognition of youth efforts in climate justice and climate action during a keynote address on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
Mr. Musoma reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting youth in developing climate solutions, in line with national frameworks such as the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).“As government, we see you. We value you. And we are committed to walking alongside you. Our national frameworks recognise youth as a critical force in climate action.”
The dialogue marked Zimbabwean youth’s contribution to the Global Dialogues Initiative, a worldwide push by We Are Tomorrow Global Partnership to place youth at the centre of climate policymaking. Key outcomes will inform the National Youth Climate Agenda as part of the global dialogues project.