Attendees of the ongoing Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) has seen the Chief Executive Officer of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), Ezekiel Mutua, express his concern about the limited participation of the youth in discussions surrounding climate change.
Mutua, who attended the event as an advocate for youth involvement, urged the younger generation to take a more active role in shaping the future of Africa’s environmental policies.
In a candid statement during a panel discussion, Mutua expressed his dissatisfaction with the underrepresentation of youth voices in crucial climate change conversations. He stressed the importance of young people as key stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges.
“There’s so much discussion happening on social media about issues that will define the future of Africa and the world,” Mutua stated. “The youth, who are undeniably key stakeholders, must pay attention to these matters and actively engage in such vital discourse.”
You will see youths wasting time on tiktok posting nonsense but they know nothing about the Africa Climate Summit taking place in Nairobi let alone terms like decarbonisation or carbon credits. There's so much stuff on social media about issues that will define the future of…
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) September 5, 2023
Mutua’s call to action resonated with many attendees and delegates at the summit. Climate change is a global concern that will disproportionately affect the younger generation, making their active participation in finding sustainable solutions paramount. The MCSK CEO emphasized the need for youth to be at the forefront of climate change discussions, given their unique perspective and potential to drive innovative solutions.
The Africa Climate Summit, which has drawn participants from across the continent and beyond, serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy development to address the pressing challenges of climate change in Africa. With topics ranging from renewable energy to conservation efforts, the event presents a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to collectively shape the region’s climate agenda.
Ezekiel Mutua’s impassioned plea for youth involvement underscores the significance of intergenerational cooperation in tackling climate change. As the summit progresses, organizers and participants are encouraged to heed Mutua’s call and ensure that young voices are not only heard but actively integrated into the decision-making processes that will chart Africa’s course toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
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