A total of 23 young people from Comoros, including scouts, members of the Indian Ocean Climate Network, and students from the University of Comoros, have gathered for a 5-day training on climate change and environmental protection. The training, which started online several months ago, was officially launched on October 5 at the Hotel de la Terrasse du Palais du Peuple. The event was attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, representatives from UNICEF, and other stakeholders.
The training aims to equip young people with skills to analyze policies, transform community concerns into actions, and view climate change as an opportunity for employment. According to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Abdourahmane Ali M'roipvili, the training is crucial in the context of Comoros' vulnerability to climate change. The country, like many island nations, is exposed to climate-related hazards that affect ecosystems and coastal areas.
The training is a collaborative effort between UNICEF and the Korean Agency for International Cooperation (KOICA). M'roipvili emphasized that the training represents the future of the country, as young people are the driving force behind behavioral and health changes. He also highlighted that the training will enable young people to understand the evolving climate framework, develop capacities to participate in discussions, and defend ideas to raise awareness among communities.
Mustapha Ben Messaoud, representative of UNICEF, stressed the vulnerability of children to climate change. He noted that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing future generations and that children are disproportionately affected by its consequences. Ben Messaoud emphasized that climate-related disasters fragilize health infrastructure, hygiene, and expose children to diseases.
Ben Ahmed Daouda Soilihi, a young reporter and beneficiary of the training, expressed his satisfaction with the presence of state authorities and international entities. He believes that the training will be an enriching experience that will enable him to raise awareness among children about the dangers of climate change. Soilihi emphasized that the involvement of government and international organizations is a strong message that underscores the importance of collective action to protect the environment.
The training will cover topics such as climate change analysis, policy development, and community engagement. Participants will also learn about the impact of climate change on ecosystems, coastal areas, and human health. The training is expected to empower young people to become climate change champions and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote environmental protection and climate change mitigation in Comoros. The country's government, with the support of international partners, is working to address the challenges posed by climate change and promote sustainable development. The training of young people is seen as a critical step in this process, as they will play a key role in shaping the country's future and promoting environmental protection.
Key points
- The training aims to equip young people with skills to analyze policies and develop capacities to participate in discussions on climate change.
- The initiative is a collaborative effort between UNICEF and the Korean Agency for International Cooperation (KOICA).
- The training is crucial in the context of Comoros' vulnerability to climate change, which affects ecosystems and coastal areas.
