Empowering Voices: African Youths Champion Climate Justice at COP30 in Bonn

An Unyielding Spirit of Change



The energy resonating through the halls of the United Nations Climate Conference in Bonn was palpable as youth delegates representing the HBCU Green Fund's Sustainable Africa Network delivered a message that echoed across boundaries: climate justice must prioritize the needs and voices of African and African-descended communities, and this is only the beginning.

On June 24, 2025, these young leaders took the stage not just to voice concerns, but to spearhead a relentless advocacy for climate action that aims to turn words into actionable policies and real investment. Under the tagline "One Struggle, One Future," the youth assembled at Bonn are part of the #Road2Belem campaign that began on Earth Day 2025. This initiative has amplified their aspirations and outlined a bold agenda rooted in self-determination, solidarity, and accountability.

The Call to Action



In anticipation of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, youth leaders across 16 African nations and the African Diaspora are preparing an African Youth Climate Justice Statement. This document is poised to be a critical tool for engagement with global climate policymakers, reflecting the lived experiences and aspirations of young people who feel the weight of climate change most acutely. They are resolute in their quest for true recognition and action from international leaders.

Aligned with the ambitions set forth in their climate statement, the group has organized a series of virtual roundtables, strategy sessions, and digital campaigning in the lead-up to the conference. Activists will also be present at the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, seeking to network and galvanize further support for their cause.

Names at the Forefront



Critical figures in this movement include Hussein Kassim of Ghana, Executive Director of the Centre for Climate and Sustainability Empowerment; Dr. Frances Roberts-Gregory from the USA, who serves on the board of the HBCU Green Fund; and Saustine Lusanzu from Tanzania, the Founder and Director of Earthcare Foundation. Other notable delegates include Dr. Isatis Cintron-Rodriguez from Puerto Rico and climate activist Patience Nabukalu from Uganda.

As these leaders converge in Bonn, they articulate core demands that have arisen from extensive dialogues and community engagement, notably:
  • - The necessity for climate reparations and the cancellation of climate-related debts.
  • - Ensuring equitable access to climate funding that prioritizes youth-led initiatives and community-based solutions.
  • - The formal acknowledgment and ongoing representation of African-descended communities in international climate dialogues.
  • - Institutional backing for climate education, organizing, and cultural exchanges among diasporic African communities.

Rejecting Tokenism



Dr. Roberts-Gregory made it clear that the youth have no intention of being sidelined: “We are not here just to observe; we are here to lead. The solutions already exist in our communities. What we need is direct support, not trickle-down aid.” This statement echoes a collective frustration that while substantial funds are allocated for climate initiatives, they are often not reaching the communities facing the brunt of climate impacts.

In light of COP29's establishment of a Loss and Damage fund, the call for true accountability resonates. As Lusanzu states, “We will not accept mere gestures; African youth and communities are forming an international coalition to ensure that governments uphold their promises and deliver substantial resources.”

This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Cintron-Rodriguez who emphasizes the importance of combining academic insights with grassroots approaches to foster inclusive climate action. The focus is not just on being heard but on ensuring that those who are most affected are instrumental in creating and implementing solutions.

A Movement Toward Justice



The Bonn conference serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a vital stage for a much larger campaign aimed at reshaping climate narratives and returning power to frontline communities.

As Nabukalu powerfully asserts: “Africa does not need charity—what we need is climate justice. As African youth and women, we are demanding a genuine transition, not broken promises.” Her words encapsulate the desire for tangible change, with a focus on authentic solutions and justice.

Kassim encapsulates the ethos driving this movement, stating: “This is more than a statement; it represents a global movement. Together, we are crafting an intergenerational legacy of climate justice leadership. Our shared histories and struggles give us the strength to envision a future anchored in justice and resilience.”

Join the Movement



For those interested in joining or supporting this transformative campaign, further details can be found at hbcugreenfund.org or through their social media by following @hbcugreenfund and utilizing #Road2Belem.

About HBCU Green Fund



Founded by Felicia Davis, the HBCU Green Fund stands at the intersection of climate action, sustainability, and environmental justice, advocating for the roles of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for over a decade. Based in Georgia, with key operations in Washington D.C. and Senegal, their Sustainable Africa Future Network aims to foster environmentally sustainable advancements across Africa and its diaspora communities.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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