African Youth Urged to be Ambitious, Innovative and Collaborative for Realizing Agenda 2063

Addis Ababa, September 5, 2025 (ENA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said "Agenda 2063: the Africa We Want" cannot be realized without the active involvement of the youth, urging African youth to be ambitious, innovative, and collaborative in realizing the Agenda.

A two- day African Youth Climate Assembly that focuses on empowering youth to take an active role in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in Africa is underway in Addis Ababa.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Premier cited the paradox of Africa's situation — the continent that contributes less than four percent of global emissions but faces severe climate challenges such as droughts, floods, and rising food insecurity.

 

Yet, "Africa is not only vulnerable; it is hopeful. More than sixty percent of our people are under the age of twenty-five," he pointed out.

Therefore, he stressed that "Agenda 2063: the Africa We Want cannot be realized without you. So I stand here not only to welcome you, but to issue a challenge."

Temesgen also called on the African youth to "dream big; because Africa cannot afford small ambitions. Speak boldly, because silence has never changed history. Be entrepreneurs and innovators, because our continent has vast potential in every sector. And work together across borders and differences, because climate change respects none."

 

The Deputy PM also pointed out Ethiopia's transition into a renewable energy hub, sharing clean power with neighboring countries like Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan, and Tanzania.

"These are not just national milestones. They are continental examples of what can be achieved when governments, youth, and communities collaborate with vision."

Furthermore, he noted that the exemplary Green Legacy Initiative, which is one of the largest reforestation efforts in the world, has played a huge role in restoring land, creating jobs, and supporting biodiversity.

On his part, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance Executive Director, Mithika Mwenda, revealed that 110 million Africans have suffered from the impacts of floods, droughts, and extreme heat in 2024.

 

Highlighting a deepening climate injustice where the poorest bear the highest costs, he stressed the importance of youth in the fight for climate justice, recalling historical youth movements in Africa.

Encouraging young people to act decisively, the Executive Director said that true change comes from the youth who refuse to be silent and disrupt the status quo, noting that the Assembly is not just a side event but a crucial part of Africa's climate agenda that urges youth to shape the future actively.

Ethiopia's Women and Social Affairs Minister, Ergogie Tesfaye, said that Africa's greatest resource lies in its youth, highlighting the assembly as a pivotal event that sets the tone for forthcoming high-level climate discussions.

 

The Minister praised African youth for transforming vulnerability into innovation through green enterprises, solar solutions, and community mobilization, withstanding the enormous climate challenges Africa faces.

She underscored Ethiopia's commitment to youth empowerment and climate resilience through initiatives like the Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen billions of trees planted with the help of more than 20 million people annually, including youth volunteers.

Ergogie finally called on the assembly to turn ideas into actionable partnerships, asserting that Africa's youth are not just leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today crucial to the continent's and the planet's future.

Planning and Development Minister, Fitsum Assefa, stressed the urgent need for action, stating that African youth, farmers, and communities cannot wait for change.

 

According to her, the assembly is positioned as a platform for youth to voice their ideas and priorities, which will influence the upcoming African Climate Summit and ensure Africa speaks with passion and determination on the global stage.

Fitsum drew inspiration from the historic Victory at Adwa, urging unity and courage in the fight against climate change and calling for bold ideas and lasting alliances.