African Children Call for Climate Justice at Continental Summit

By Elias Hakizimana.

At the Africa Children’s Climate Summit, young voices from across the continent raised urgent calls for action, warning that climate change is threatening their education, health, and future.

Abijuru Ange Aline, a 14-year-old participant, described how heavy rains damage classrooms and household food crops, disrupting learning and nutrition.

“As children, we continue to face the impacts of climate change, particularly in education, where heavy rains damage infrastructure such as classrooms, disrupting our schooling,” she said.

“Additionally, heavy rains and extreme heat destroy household food crops, which negatively affects children’s nutrition. The summit should emphasise the need for climate justice, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive equitable support and resources to mitigate and adapt to climate change.” She added.

Mucunguzi Amza, a 14-year-old Rwandan climate advocate, urged leaders to act beyond promises.

“As young people, we expect the Africa Climate Summit to go beyond promises and focus on real action,” he noted.

“Our leaders should invest in renewable energy, protect forests and rivers, and ensure that communities most affected by climate change are supported. Leaders must also consider our views and commit to engaging us during climate policy-making processes.”

The summit also adopted the African Children’s Climate Declaration, a ten-point agenda demanding child representation in climate policy, resilient schools and hospitals, clean water access, food security programs, renewable energy, and mental health support for children facing climate anxiety.

Organizers stressed that children represent Africa’s majority population yet are often excluded from decisions that directly shape their lives.

“The Africa Children Climate Summit is a crucial platform that not only highlights the urgent climate challenges we face but, more importantly, centres the voices of our children—those who inherit the future we shape today,” read a joint statement. “Listening to their insights and experiences is vital for crafting solutions that are both effective and sustainable.”

By insisting on inclusion, accountability, and equitable support, African children are making it clear: climate justice cannot wait, and their voices must be part of the solutions.