Post-ACS2 Dialogue on Youth Empowerment and Commitment to Action

Youth and workers were in the spotlight when the FES Ethiopia and the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) co-hosted a Post-African Climate Summit (ACS2) workshop in Addis Ababa. Together with policy experts and civil society activists, they called for climate action that not only protects the planet but also secures livelihoods and creates opportunities for Africa’s younger generations.

“Workers and vulnerable communities are at the frontline of climate change,” panelists warned, stressing that a just transition must be both equitable and inclusive. That means retraining workers in fossil-based industries to safeguard jobs and turning climate commitments into tangible policies.

For young people, the discussion made clear that enthusiasm alone is not enough. Major barriers still prevent them from shaping political decisions: limited access to information, a lack of institutionalized roles, and few opportunities for real influence in formal negotiations. Participants argued that these obstacles must be addressed through mentorship, negotiation training, and digital platforms that provide open, democratic spaces. “Youth participation needs to be institutionalized,” one panelist insisted.

The debate also underlined Africa’s untapped potential in tackling climate change. The continent’s 640 million hectares of forest, if protected, could serve as a global carbon sink, against this backdrop Ethiopia’s tree-planting initiative was mentioned as a step in the right direction. Indigenous knowledge and local financing mechanisms, such as those practiced in Oromia, were highlighted as models to expand and formalize.

Panelists agreed also that Africa’s role in global negotiations must be strengthened ahead of COP30. Although the continent contributes the least to climate change, it suffers disproportionately from its impacts. Strategies proposed included forming stronger South-South coalitions, negotiating with the EU, and exploring climate-debt swaps with the Global North to secure much-needed financing, technology, and skills transfer.

Above all, the workshop highlighted the need to transform climate action into job creation and political empowerment. As one participant put it: “Turn climate action into job action.” The message was clear—Africa’s fight against climate change will only succeed if it puts its workers and its youth at the heart of the transition - a just transition.