AWF and WWF Host African Youth Conference

Young people from across Africa will convene in Nairobi from May 23, 2019 to May 25, 2019 for deliberations about today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The conference will bring together 50 young conservation and development practitioners from 24 African countries to discuss how to save Africa’s declining biodiversity, in the wake of a recent United Nations report that raised alarm over the rapid extinction of plants and animals due to human activity.

The three-day conference, dubbed #IAM4NATURE Youth Summit, will be hosted at African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) headquarters in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

“I want to see more young people participate in conservation, not just as members of wildlife clubs but also at policy and leadership level,”  said Kaddu Sebunya, AWF CEO.

Policy engagement has evolved over the years to include youthful voices not only as attendees but also as contributing stakeholders.

“The future of conservation the world over depends on the minds, passion, and commitment of our youth today. Organizations must create space and platforms for youth to take up and influence our world leaders towards forging a much-needed new deal for nature and people,” said Fred Kwame Kumah, WWF’s Africa Regional Director.

The world is already feeling the consequences of biodiversity loss, as it has adversely affected crop production and exposed humanity to extreme weather changes. These effects have been more pronounced in developing countries due to their reduced resilience to environmental challenges.

“I envision an African continent where economic development will not be an excuse for a natural disaster. It will be an Africa where clean energy will light up even the furthest hills and will give room for economic empowerment and justice for all,” said Daniel Misaki, a 24-year-old student at Uganda Wildlife Research & Training participating in the conference.