By Jeff Kapembwa

Children on the African continent, as key stakeholders, want all-embracing, user-friendly policies to decelerate the climate change impact on the planet and humanity.

The children of the continent, in a 10-point declaration during the Addis Ababa-hosted continent’s second conference-want leaders to include them in policy formulation against climate change, as the crisis was not only an environmental concern, but their emergency right, hence the cause for inclusion.

Noting that the children and youths-both urban and rural-based, are in then majority on the continent, yet left behind, the children, including those with disabilities, contend that the crisis was their concern as it disrupts their education, threatens their health, and deepens inequality and poverty levels and need inclusion hence the call for inclusion now and the future, being key players.

The children showcased climate change effects on their education, health, early child marriages, child labour, and cycles of poverty in urban and rural areas, informal settlements, and disabilities by including at least 30% representation in all climate decisions.

Institutionalize child dialogues and consultations in policy design and implementation; ensure all climate policies are child- and youth-sensitive, with measurable indicators and monitoring mechanisms. There is also a need to have policies in children’s official languages to appreciate.

Establish formal child and youth advisory councils linked to national climate bodies. Have accountability measures to keep our leaders. Share children’s sessions with the whole country/society; it shouldn’t only be on paper, but also be known to the people. That’s a way to raise awareness.

There is an urgent need to use tools like the NDC Equity Tracker to assess inclusion of children, youth, and gender.

The children seek Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Preparedness, provide solar energy, water saving systems, and earth-resistant materials in hospitals and schools, and tree planting initiatives, unlike alien vegetation.

Mandate climate-resilient building codes for all new schools and clinics. There be support towards child- and youth-led early warning systems for climate disasters, while embracing food and security and nutrition programmes to counter climate change effects.

“As children today, we were complaining about how many of our families and communities are part of agricultural activities, and climate change affects us. There is a need to expand school feeding programs with nutritious, climate-resilient meals.

The children seek awareness of the impact of the crisis. They seek impact assessment reports on children and youth while providing them with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) updates for broader awareness.

Use digital platforms popular with youth to share policies and opportunities. And also use language. They call for the creation of youth-led accountability platforms to track climate progress.

Prioritize children and youth in socio-economically vulnerable settings, those with disabilities, and those in high-risk areas. Ensure rural and underprivileged communities are not excluded from climate initiatives and opportunities, among other demands.

And Ministry of Green Environment and Economy director, Ephraim Shitima, in opening the Zambia Post-Africa Climate Summit II Reflection Meeting in Lusaka hosted by Save the Children, Zambia Climate Change Network and other non-state actors recommended Zambia’s participation in the continent’s second summit, describing.

In a statement read on his behalf by Climate Change Adaptation Officer Harriet Malaya described Zambia’s participation in the Addis Ababa summit was described as a show of commitment to build a green, inclusive, and resilient future.

In reflecting on the various outcomes of the Ethiopia summit, chiefly the Member States Declaration and the Children’s Declaration, it compels the Government to explore how the demands can be meaningfully localized within the Zambian context.

Citing Zambia’s National Green Growth Strategy (2024–2030) blueprint, the Government reaffirms its commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive economy, as espoused under the 8th NDCs, which prioritise environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive development.

“The Africa Climate Summit II outcomes align strongly with our national priorities. The Member States Declaration speaks to the urgency of climate finance, adaptation, and just transitions, areas.” Mr. Shitima said,

Zambia was actively pursuing climate change initiatives through the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), as well as efforts to mobilize climate finance for vulnerable communities.

The children’s Declaration was a reminder that climate justice was the centre of the voices, rights, and aspirations of children, as they are not only victims of climate change but agents. In their communities, and stewards of the future.