UN Group advocates For a sustainable climate- environment

The UN Inter Agency Group on Youth has advocated for a shift towards a sustainable and climate-friendly environment, investiment on young people in the area of green economy
which is critical for responding to the global climate crisis, as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This was disclosed by stakeholders at a Dialogue On Equiping Young People With Skills For The Green Economy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital
Speaking, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Resident Representative, Ms Gifty Addico, said it was important to have discussions among youths towards achieving sustainable green economy in line with global environmental challenges.

“As the world shifts to greener future, green skills are cornerstone of this transition, serving as tools that empower individuals to champion a resource efficient society. We are ensuring every interaction brings us closer to sustainable Nigeria, led by youth equipped with right skills. Our commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of our youths are embodied in transformative results ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, ending gender-based-violence and all harmful practices”. She said

Ms Addico, added that UN takes priority to the rights of young people.

“We are committed to advocating for the rights of young people, empowering them with knowledge and skills to not only protect themselves but enable them make informed decisions. So they can realize their full potential and contribute to economic and social transformation.” She added

Also speaking, the Deputy Representative of Unicef, Rownak Khan, said the dialogue was important in ensuring shared future for young people.

” UNICEF remain grateful not just to have chaired the Inter Agency Group, but committed to ensure sustainable future for Nigeria youths. It is important to come together to build a sustainable future for young people and the green skills basically comes how they future. Putting the lens of a climate resilient to work, sustainable employment and sustainable environment as well. This is a unique opportunity for all of us to provide adequate skills, so that the skills can be used for them to ensure a resilient future for the next generation.” She said

On his part, UNFPA Focal Aide for Youth, Mr Babatunde Adelekan, explored that the discussion was initiated to inspire youths become skilled in green economy.

“We intend to achieve this by giving young people the necessary information and linking them up with the ecosystem. Through opportunities, through training and building up skills, where they are able to utilize the various opportunities that are available. The green revolution is something that we must quickly tackle as a country, so that our vibrant, agile youths will be able to harness their full potential.,” he said.

In a presentation on Green Economy, the National Project Officer, Social Protection and Youth Employment, International Labout Organisation (ILO), Mr. Segun Tekun stressed that climate is major problem that hinder development of young people.

“We agreed that climate change is a problem and that young people are the ones mostly impacted by it, we also agreed that there is the need for us to transit to the green economy economy. To transit to the green economy we need to create green jobs, the. In carrying out those jobs we need green skills,” he stressed

While commending the UN for putting the dialogue together, A Youth Climate advocate Safina Bello , emphasised that green skills remains a reality that needs to be embraced by all to achieve the SDGs, he said.

Highpoint of the event were discussion centered on what green skills are, why they are important, green jobs, market development, requirement and career transition as well as presentation on green economy, U-report results on green skills and climate change.

The event with the theme: “Green skills for youth: towards a sustainable world” was put together by UN Information Centre (UNIC), to support the efforts towards a sustainable and resources efficent society.