Youth Climate Champions honoured during GHACOF 70
By Emebet A. Jigssa and Paula Machio with contribution from Climate Change Technical Working Group
Young climate leaders from across the IGAD region were recognised during an award ceremony held in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the 70th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 70) on May 20, 2025. The event marked the culmination of the “Youths for Climate Action” campaign, an initiative led by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) with support from the ClimSA project.
Youth in the IGAD region have consistently demonstrated their commitment to climate action, playing crucial roles in disseminating vital climate information, promoting environmental awareness, and championing impactful local solutions. Recognising this invaluable contribution, ICPAC through the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) programme launched the campaign to not only acknowledge but also amplify the significant impact of young people in climate communication and engagement.
The campaign invited participants under the age of 35 from IGAD member states to share their compelling stories, impactful photos, or short videos highlighting their diverse roles in climate information dissemination, climate education, and community-based climate solutions. The overwhelming response showcased the breadth and depth of youth-led efforts in building a sustainable future for the region.
Honouring the Climate Champions: Meet the Winners
The awards honoured outstanding contributions across five distinct categories, acknowledging the varied ways young people are making a difference:
Under 18 years: This category celebrated exceptional contributions to climate education or awareness at the school or community level, highlighting the early engagement of young minds in environmental stewardship.
- Naomi Momone from South Sudan clinched 1st place.
- Caleb Mutai from Kenya secured 2nd place.
- Stephen Mboya also from Kenya was awarded 3rd place.
Ages 18–24: This award recognised youth-led initiatives that demonstrated remarkable innovation in climate action or communication, showcasing fresh perspectives and groundbreaking approaches.
- Esther Muhindo from Uganda took 1st place.
- Mohamed Hassan of Kenya came in 2nd.
- Dawit Ademe from Ethiopia was awarded 3rd place.
Ages 25–35: This category honoured young professionals or community leaders who are actively advocating for and implementing tangible climate solutions, underscoring their leadership and practical impact.
- Jatani Bonaya from Ethiopia earned 1st place.
- Emmanuel Mwita from Kenya secured 2nd place.
- Lynnette Kawira also from Kenya was awarded 3rd place.
Short Video/Animation (under 35): This award applauded creative storytelling and explainer videos that effectively highlighted crucial climate services, early warning systems, or local adaptation efforts, demonstrating the power of visual communication.
- Najib Ahmed from Somalia was awarded 1st place.
- Henok Kinde from Ethiopia came in 2nd.
- Adelaide Jachi from Tanzania secured 3rd place.
Photography (under 35): This category recognised impactful imagery that powerfully captured the realities of climate impacts or showcased inspiring resilience practices, using visual narratives to convey important messages.
- Jesse Chenge from Kenya took 1st place.
- Lotiyu Stephen from South Sudan was awarded 2nd place.
- Aakphotography from Kenya received 3rd place in this category.
Eligible participants were required to be citizens of IGAD member state, and all entries, particularly in the video and photography categories, had to be original, relevant to climate services, solutions, adaptation, or awareness, and have been undertaken prior to the call for submissions. Collaborative submissions were also welcomed, with one prize awarded per winning entry.
The Youth for Climate Action Campaign was supported by the ClimSA programme as part of its broader commitment to enhancing access to climate services and empowering communities across the IGAD region. Recognising the significant role of young people in driving climate action, ClimSA partnered with youth champions to amplify the reach and impact of climate information.
Through this campaign, young people were not only celebrated for their efforts in disseminating climate information through innovative storytelling, media, and local outreach, but also positioned as key actors in bridging the gap between science and society. The campaign aligns with ClimSA’s goal of delivering tailored climate services to the last mile, ensuring that even the most vulnerable and remote communities receive timely, actionable information to build resilience. This initiative reinforces the principle that everyone in the community has a role to play in the climate services value chain, from generation and interpretation, to communication and application of climate information for improved decision-making at all levels.
