Officials
of Climate Watch-The Gambia (CWG) recently paid a courtesy call on the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) office in Fajara.
The
delegation led by Climate Watch Executive Director was officially received by
the FAO Country Representative, Dr. Perpetua Katepa- Kalala, and her deputy,
Mrs Mariatou Njie.
In
his opening remarks, the Executive Director of Climate Watch-The Gambia, Saikou
Suwareh Jabai, said the objective of the meeting was to formally introduce his
organization to the FAO, and to seek technical assistance in their advocacy
areas.
He
said Climate Watch is a youth-led organization that seeks to curb the effects
of climate change and other environmental challenges, through youth engagement.
As
youths, he said, they have a pivotal role to play in this drive as climate
change is unarguably the biggest threat to food security.
Since
its inception, the organization has engaged in research, and promotes knowledge
and awareness among youths and students on
issues regarding climate change, the environment and agriculture.
Some
of these course works, he added, were published in local and international
media outlets.
Jabai added that part of their commitment is
to work with policy makers and decision influencers, in advocating for strategic
policies and programmes that address the priorities of youths and complementing
the implementation to ensure that they are well observed.
While
commending FAO officials for granting them audience, Jabai said Climate Watch
is committed to engaging young people in addressing climate change.
The
Information and Communications Officer of Climate Watch, Musa Abdoulie Jallow,
said young people are the target group of their organization.
The
organisation would commence a weekly radio show on Star FM soon, and that this
programme, called ‘Climate Talk’, is aimed at building the capacities of young
farmers, youths and students on climate change, the environment and
agriculture.
He added that the organisation seeks to
promote the participation of youths in fisheries and agriculture in The Gambia.
The
Finance and Administration Manager of Climate Watch, Ebrima A. Jallow,
expressed similar remarks, adding that it was high time for young people to
take the frontline in the strife for climate change adaptation, mitigation and
disaster risk reduction.
In
response, the Country Representative of FAO, Dr. Perpetua Katepa- Kalala,
thanked Climate Watch-The Gambia for coming to meet them, adding that it is
always interesting to listen to young people.
She congratulated CWG officials for the
broader thinking, saying it is excellent that young people want to get
involved.
She
said climate change matters so much as it affects every sector of our lives.
She
advised CWG to identify critical technical partners who would build their
capacities, and render some technical assistance in its project
implementations.
She said youths have a big role to play in the
development of agriculture, and that Climate Watch as part of their objectives
could advocate to actively engaging youths in the sector, especially in
aquaculture.
While
urging CWG to meet other developmental partners like NEA, UNDP, UTG and others,
the FAO representative expressed hope that the two organisations would work
together, on issues regarding youth engagement in climate change adaptation and
agriculture.
Also
speaking at the meeting was the Deputy Country Representative of FAO, Mrs
Mariatou Njie, who expressed delight with CWG, saying it was impressive that
the youth-led organisation is committed to promote youth participation in
fisheries and agriculture.
She
said FAO has a number of projects that they are working on, some of which, she
added, are targeting youths to enhance their participation in fisheries and
agriculture.
