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HBCU Green Fund's Vision at COP30

In December 2025, the HBCU Green Fund, in partnership with the youth-led Sustainable Africa Futures Network, executed a significant side event during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Belém, Brazil. This meeting, which spanned 18 countries, showcased innovative climate solutions originating from both Africa and the United States. Notably, it marked the global launch of the ambitious Power of 10 Campaign, a ground-breaking initiative designed to rally support for youth-driven climate projects in vulnerable communities.

Uniting Voices for Climate Justice

"Today’s launch of the Power of 10 Campaign fills me with hope as we harness the energy of young leaders from the U.S., Africa, and beyond," expressed Felicia Davis, the founder of the HBCU Green Fund. This initiative aims to secure $10 for every HBCU student, funding impactful projects to foster climate justice. The vision of the campaign is driven by the belief that the youth should dictate how these funds are utilized, ensuring that their aspirations for climate action come to fruition.

The hybrid event, moderated by Dr. Frances Roberts-Gregory from the HBCU Green Fund, facilitated connections between youth leaders through Zoom and live attendees from the U.S., Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi. They engaged in discussions about COP30 negotiations and highlighted some transformative projects supported by The Green Fund.

Highlights from Participating Countries

Uganda is embracing vertical farming and innovative digital agriculture to support refugees. Denise Ayebare, founder of Better Life International, explained that her efforts are fuelled by the understanding that climate justice empowers displaced individuals to reconstruct their lives with dignity, utilizing tools such as the Soil App that connects farmers to improved market practices.

In Ghana, youth are pioneering solutions such as zero-emission transport prototypes and innovative recycling initiatives, as emphasized by Hussein Kassim, founder of the Center for Climate and Sustainability Empowerment. These projects demonstrate how small financial grants can lead to replicable community solutions, fostering resilience and opportunities.

Malawi's contribution to the discourse, represented by Malango Kayira, underscores the importance of grassroots climate leadership. Her initiative, the Green Schools, Green Future program, teaches children about environmental stewardship, leading to the planting of thousands of trees to promote ecological awareness among the younger generation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is addressing grassroots climate education through the efforts of Lucky Abeng, founder of the EcoSteward Humanitarian Foundation. His organization emphasizes the necessity of adaptation measures for survival in vulnerable communities through direct education on environmental practices, nurturing a generation prepared to face climate challenges.

Ongoing Advocacy Despite Challenges

As the event was taking place, unfortunate circumstances unfolded as a fire incident led to the evacuation of COP30. This situation caused delays in the youth's formal presentation regarding their African Youth Climate Justice Statement. However, the leader's message remained clear, reflecting their unequivocal demands for honoring loss and damage commitments, addressing climate-related debt, and investing in equitable climate solutions through extensive representation in global climate decision-making processes.

This statement captures the urgency of centering African youth in influential dialogues about global climate strategies. The emphasis on equitable funding directly to youth-led initiatives aims to revitalize their environments and empower further action.

In the aftermath of COP30, the delegation made their way to Brasília to join the March of Black Women for Reparation and Well-Being, a significant gathering of over 300,000 Black women advocating for collective change. The HBCU Green Fund recognizes that the voice of marginalized communities must resonate in transformative climate solutions.

Looking Ahead with the Power of 10 Campaign

As the Power of 10 Campaign continues through 2026, the HBCU Green Fund remains dedicated to supporting youth-led endeavors across Africa and within HBCU campuses. Through strategic investments, this initiative exemplifies that impactful change can stem from small actions.

To support the Power of 10 Campaign visit HBCU Green Fund's site. This unwavering commitment to empowering youth underpins a brighter, more equitable future for all, affirming that the struggles for climate, racial, and gender justice are intrinsically linked.

About the HBCU Green Fund

Founded to advance climate action and environmental justice, the HBCU Green Fund has been instrumental in providing resources to Black educational institutions since 2016. With a focus on community innovation and youth leadership, the organization continues to foster significant partnerships to enhance participation in UN climate processes from African nations and HBCUs alike.