Call for more climate funding ahead of GCF meeting by Activists

The decision for Rwanda to host the high-profile meeting was announced at the recent GCF Board Meeting in South Korea.

Considering that GCF finances are allocated mainly to projects in developing countries, of which, there are many in Africa, it’s an opportunity for Africa for the board to seat in Kigali.

Young people need not only to be invited but to sit at the high table where decisions are made,” said Philip Anderson Samura, a Climate Change enthusiast, who is also the Secretary-General of Fellows of Conservation Club at the African Leadership University (ALU).

According to Alain Shimirwa, a climate science researcher and clean energy specialist, “as youth climate activists, the meeting will provide opportunities to present our climate projects.

To some of us with start-up projects in conservation, we shall showcase what we do but also push for the financing of start-ups since it remains our biggest challenge.”

He said, “During my recent visit to Kigali for the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, I witnessed how President Kagame’s leadership brought countries together and highlighted the importance of leveraging climate finance in developing countries.

I look forward to strengthening our partnership through the hosting of this Board meeting.”

However, it’s the young people in conservation that are still challenged with climate funding. GCF board should take a firm decision on allocating a significant quarter of their finances to indicative projects run by youth.”

The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest climate fund, mandated to support developing countries to raise and realise their climate action plans towards low-emission, climate-resilient development.

Isingizwe also pointed out that GCF has funds that can be very beneficial in mitigating climate change if the criteria of accessing the money accommodates and funds youth innovative ideas.