Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A new chapter in youth-led climate activism is unfolding in The Gambia with the forthcoming launch of the Youth Climate Council (YCC), a national platform aimed at empowering young people to take coordinated action on climate change and influence environmental policymaking.
The Youth Climate Council Gambia is envisioned as an independent, youth-driven coalition that brings together climate activists, youth-led organisations, and community leaders under a unified framework.
The initiative seeks to ensure meaningful youth participation in climate governance while promoting inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration across the country’s growing climate movement.
“The establishment of this Council marks a turning point for youth engagement in climate governance,” said Modou Lamin Gassama, Country Coordinator of YCC Gambia. “It’s about building a unified and empowered youth movement that can influence the future we all share.”
The initiative comes at a critical moment as climate change continues to pose mounting threats to The Gambia’s environment and economy. Rising sea levels, erratic rainfall patterns, and advancing desertification are increasingly undermining livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where young people rely heavily on agriculture for survival.
Beyond serving as a platform for advocacy, the YCC aims to institutionalize youth participation at the center of national climate action. The Council plans to champion sustainable solutions and policy reforms while supporting resilience and adaptation initiatives at the grassroots level.
Mr. Gassama noted that the Council’s work will be anchored in both national priorities and global cooperation, as YCC Gambia aligns itself with the Youth Climate Council Global Alliance (YCCGA), an international network dedicated to strengthening youth leadership in climate governance worldwide.
“The Gambia’s youth have always played a leading role in raising environmental awareness,” he added. “This platform will build on that spirit by creating opportunities for education, advocacy, and innovation across all regions of the country.”
Environmental advocates have welcomed the creation of the Youth Climate Council, describing it as a significant step toward inclusive and forward-looking climate leadership. They believe the initiative could reshape how climate policies are developed while inspiring more young people to contribute solutions that balance sustainability with national development needs.
The launch of the Youth Climate Council is expected to serve as a rallying point for young Gambians determined to play a transformative role in building a greener and more sustainable future for the country.
