Hello WORLD!

The Afrika Youth Caravan to COP 27 was a transformative initiative led by the Kheri Environmental Action Network, designed to engage and empower youth across Afrika in critical climate dialogues.

This remarkable journey brought together young leaders from diverse communities, fostering collaboration and amplifying their voices on the global stage. A select delegation of passionate advocates traveled to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 27.

Through this initiative, Afrika’s youth demonstrated their commitment to addressing climate change, contributing to meaningful discussions, and advocating for a sustainable future. The Afrika Youth Caravan to COP 27 stands as a testament to the power of youth-led action in shaping a better world.

About the Pan Afrikan Youth Caravan to COP27

At the 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, one thing became undeniably clear: the voices of the people shaped the agenda and demonstrated true leadership.

Youth, Indigenous communities, the most affected populations, small island nations, and developing states united to demand more than empty commitments. They called for urgent, decisive action—backed by climate financing and concrete measures to address loss and damage caused by the developed world and fossil fuel industries.

Yet, despite the urgency of the climate crisis, COP26 was one of the most exclusive gatherings in recent memory. Systemic barriers to meaningful youth participation were glaringly evident. From the struggle to secure funding and navigate arduous visa and travel processes to the challenges of obtaining accreditation badges, the path to participation was fraught with obstacles.

Once inside, the fight continued. We fought for access to conference spaces, for the opportunity to share our stories authentically, to hold leaders accountable for their inaction, and to showcase the innovative solutions emerging from our communities.

The Pan Afrikan Youth Caravan to COP27 emerged from this struggle—a movement born out of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that the voices of Afrika’s youth must be heard on the global stage.

The Pan-Afrikan Youth Caravan to COP27

The Pan-Afrikan Youth Caravan to COP27, led by the Kheri Environmental Action Network (KEAN International), successfully ensured the meaningful and active participation of Afrika’s youth in this historic climate event, which took place on Afrikan soil for the first time.

Guided by the values of UBUNTU, this initiative brought together youth leaders from across Afrika’s diverse regions. They engaged in critical dialogues, shaped narratives, and contributed to the solutions urgently needed for the region.

The caravan was a decentralized movement, traveling from one region to the next, culminating in Egypt. Along the way, it built momentum and amplified the voices of Afrika’s youth. In Egypt, a select delegation—comprising the project team and regional representatives from the workshops—participated in a youth climate conference, embarked on an in-person caravan to Sharm El-Sheikh, and hosted a media briefing session to present the inaugural Afrikan Youth Statement to COP27. This statement served as a powerful advocacy tool, guiding and pushing for tangible, on-the-ground action.

Throughout the caravan—during both the sub-regional workshops and the activities in Egypt—we created spaces that brought together youth, communities, and leaders. These spaces showcased and celebrated local solutions to climate challenges, documenting these stories and innovations through video, visuals, and a comprehensive report. These materials were shared with delegates and parties at COP27, ensuring that Afrika’s grassroots efforts were recognized and amplified on the global stage.

Beyond advocacy, the caravan was a moment of solidarity within the youth movement. It connected youth, youth-led initiatives, and grassroots organizations, fostering collaboration and unity. By celebrating the power of communications, art, storytelling, and music, we highlighted the creativity and resilience of Afrika’s people, demonstrating how these tools can bring us together to drive meaningful change.

The Pan-Afrikan Youth Caravan to COP27 stands as a testament to the power of youth-led action and the enduring spirit of UBUNTU in shaping a sustainable future for Afrika and the world.

WORKSHOPS

As part of the Pan-Afrikan Youth Caravan to COP27, we organized a series of key sub-regional workshops designed to bring together youth from across Afrika for dialogue, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to the climate agenda.

These workshops included:

  • A Southern Afrikan Workshop

  • An Eastern Afrikan Workshop

  • A Western Afrikan Workshop

  • A Northern Afrikan Workshop

All workshops took place between October 4th and 6th, 2022, creating a platform for youth to share ideas, develop actionable solutions, and strengthen their collective voice in the global climate movement.

Partners

We were honored to collaborate with a number of incredible organizations on this project, including:

  • Wangari Maathai Foundation

  • Action for Nature

  • Youth Sustainable Development Network

  • Youth4Nature

  • Kheri Environmental Action Network (KEAN International), the visionary and lead organization behind this initiative.

We are forever grateful to our gracious partners for their unwavering support, dedication, and shared commitment to empowering youth and advancing climate action across Afrika.