IGAD Launches Regional Youth Coalition to Drive Climate Action and Resilient Agriculture

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The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has unveiled a Regional Youth Coalition on Climate and Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems, marking a significant step toward placing young people at the forefront of climate action and sustainable agriculture across the region.

The coalition was officially inaugurated by Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, who underscored the urgency of harnessing Africa’s youthful population to tackle the growing climate crisis. He described the initiative as a timely opportunity to channel the energy, creativity, and determination of young people into driving meaningful and lasting change.


The Ps  noted that Africa’s demographic advantage—its predominantly young population—positions the continent uniquely to lead innovative climate solutions if youth are empowered and prioritised. He urged young people to seize the opportunity presented by the coalition to make tangible impacts within their communities.

IGAD Youth Envoy Sam Ogwal hailed the initiative as a milestone in advancing youth participation in climate resilience and development. He highlighted the region’s vulnerability, noting that nearly 70 percent of IGAD’s landmass is classified as arid or semi-arid, while agriculture—largely dependent on rainfall—remains the backbone of member states’ economies.

Ogwal further revealed that climate-related shocks have displaced over 40 million people in recent years, intensifying food insecurity and threatening livelihoods. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that young people—who make up more than 60 percent of the region’s population under 25—are not only the most affected but also key drivers of innovation and change.

The coalition aims to transition youth-led climate efforts from fragmented initiatives into a structured regional framework anchored within IGAD. Supported by IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, the platform will focus on mobilising youth, enhancing access to climate information, promoting green jobs, and advancing climate-resilient agri-food systems.

Stakeholders stressed that the success of the initiative will rely heavily on sustained partnerships, adequate investment, and meaningful engagement of young people in policy processes.

“This is your platform,” Jacobs told participants, urging them to take ownership and ensure that the coalition delivers real impact in transforming livelihoods and building climate resilience across the region.

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