PACJA Aims to Train 3,000 Young Climate Leaders by 2027

The Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has committed to training over 3,000 young climate leaders from Africa and beyond by 2027. This goal was announced during the launch of applications for the sixth cohort of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ), which took place on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. The program aims to equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to address climate change.

The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, a flagship capacity-building and leadership incubation initiative of PACJA, has trained over 2,500 young people from 144 countries across Africa and beyond in its first five cohorts. Many of these alumni are now leading platforms in climate negotiations and other climate engagement across Africa and at the global level. The sixth cohort is scheduled to take place from June 20 to July 3, 2027, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, emphasized that the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice has been an impactful hub for young climate leaders. Some program alumni are participating in climate negotiations, representing Africa under the framework of the African Union. The program has provided a platform for young leaders to develop their skills and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

Dr. Samuel Ogalla, Head of Unit – Climate Change, African Union, praised PACJA's Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, noting that many successful young negotiators were nurtured by the program. These young negotiators are now working on different thematic areas under the UNFCCC, such as climate finance and adaptation. Ogalla highlighted the importance of capacity development programs like PACJA's in supporting young climate leaders.

Ms. Shampi Anna, an alumna of Cohort four, shared her experience working with young parliamentarians in Kenya to pass bills and lobby for climate change mitigation efforts. She emphasized the importance of working closely with parliamentarians to ensure that advocacy efforts align with national laws. Anna's experience demonstrates the impact of PACJA's programs on young leaders' careers and contributions to climate change mitigation.

Dr. Augustine Njamnshi, Executive Director of ACSEA and Chair of Political and Technical Affairs of the PACJA Board, highlighted the significance of the Nairobi Summer School in creating a new generation of climate justice leaders. He emphasized that the program prepares young people to participate in climate negotiations and work with policymakers and experts. Njamnshi also announced that PACJA will bring young people into contact with negotiators, policymakers, and experts to enhance their skills and knowledge.

The Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance's efforts to train 3,000 young climate leaders by 2027 demonstrate its commitment to supporting the next generation of climate change leaders. Through programs like the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, PACJA is equipping young leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges of climate change. As the sixth cohort prepares to convene in 2027, PACJA's impact on climate change mitigation efforts is expected to continue growing.

Key points

• PACJA aims to train 3,000 young climate leaders by 2027 through its Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice program.
• The program has already trained over 2,500 young people from 144 countries in its first five cohorts.
• Many program alumni are now leading platforms in climate negotiations and other climate engagement across Africa and at the global level.