‘Engage in initiatives that promote climate resilience’

She added that be it tree planting, recycling programmes, or supporting local businesses, their actions ripple outwards, creating meaningful change.

Minister Manjang made the remarks on Tuesday at the Rural Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building Project (RICAR) Youth Connect side event, during the Youth Connect Gambia Summit 3:0 held at Kairaba Beach Hotel.

The side event aims to empower and showcase the potential of youth and women change agents as climate champions, facilitate discussions on policies, measures and programmes for climate action and resilience among Gambian youth and create connections among stakeholders and influencers in the field of climate change for collective efforts.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Moment for the youth: Action for more socio-economic development’.

“We are at the crossroads where our actions will shape the world for generations to come,” she said. According to her, it is the youth who hold the power to lead towards a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future.

“As young leaders, you bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a commitment, to creating a world that is economically robust and environmentally sustainable. Do not underestimate the impact your voice can have in shaping policies and practices. Call for regulations that promote sustainability and social equity. Encourage businesses to adopt environmentally responsible practices and invest in the wellbeing of communities,” she told the gathering.

She also called on youth to partner with their peers, organisations and government to magnify their impact, adding that “climate change and socio-economic development are complex challenges. No one person, organisation or government can address them in isolation.”

She further called on youth to prioritise environmental and climate education, saying the knowledge and skills to address climate change challenges is an investment in our collective future.

Madam Manjang also pointed out the need to embrace innovation, saying we live in an era of unprecedented technological advancement.