The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has taken decisive action by commissioning a climate change Toolkit aimed at equipping young international leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges of sustainable development, energy transition, and climate change.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has taken decisive action by commissioning the I Act for Climate Toolkit (I ACT) initiative administered by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
The I ACT program has seen significant success, with 140 young climate leaders and energy enthusiasts from 50 countries undergoing intensive training. Participants, including young Zimbabweans, have been empowered to serve as I Act Peer Educators within their respective nations.
Christabel Mhiribidi, a beneficiary of the initiative highlighted the urgent need for a transition to cleaner energy sources to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change. “Climate change is a topical issue wreaking havoc on planet Earth. The plight leaves no stone unturned with food insecurities, water scarcity, forced migration, poor living standards, and loss of livelihoods to mention but a few. Now more than ever we are presented with the need fully embrace cleaner energy sources thus shifting from reliance on fossil fuels which are contributing immensely to the climate crisis, but to be able to do so people need to be informed,” said Mhiribidi
She said training sessions covered a wide range of topics, including renewable energy for climate action, just energy transitions, and the legal framework on climate and energy. “The young people capacitated are championing climate and energy issues in their own capacities using their areas of specialty that range from contributing to Pre-Conference of Parties (COP) position papers, participating in climate negotiations such as COP28, speaking on international platforms around energy and climate issues, developing innovations around climate and energy, climate and energy education amongst other activities,” she said
She added “The knowledge has capacitated young people to take more informed climate action and to be found in critical spaces where important decisions concerning them are made. The initiative was also an eye opener for many young people, in terms of understanding that renewable energy goes beyond solar, the legal frameworks, the role young people can play in advancing renewable energy for climate action thus challenging them to act towards addressing the climate emergency and demystifying the myths associated with renewable energy.”
In line with these efforts, the Government of Italy and the United Nations Development Program have launched the Youth4Climate Call for Solutions 2024. This initiative aims to support young climate leaders with innovative ideas by providing resources and opportunities for implementation.
