First Lady Rachel Ruto has said that African youths must be at the forefront of climate action initiatives.
Speaking on Monday, when she opened a sideline session dubbed 'The big opportunity, education and skills for a climate-adapted and green economy' during the Africa Climate Summit Mama Rachel said this can be done through education and skill development.
The event was organised by the Education Development Centre, the German government and the Office of the First Lady.
Mama Rachel Ruto noted that these skills will come in handy, as the continent builds up towards a sustainable future and a green workforce.
She said the two Sustainable Development Goals are particularly critical and connected in terms of addressing the climate change issue.
The First Lady insisted that African youths need climate-adapted knowledge and skills, to achieve this.
"The objective of this session is to highlight the power of education and the skills that need to be developed to prepare and propel Africa's future workforce as far as climate adaptation and green economy is concerned, today Africa stands on the threshold of assuming its rightful place globally," Rachel Ruto.
"Africa is getting ready for a sustainable future and an equitable green workforce. These are crucial, interconnected goals for addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality"
"The young people of Africa must be at the forefront of this big opportunity. They need to be provided with climate-adapted knowledge and skills and be exposed to the potential and opportunities within the green economy."
She noted that this will enable the youth to become active participants and beneficiaries of the green economy.
The first lady in her address said young people will also be able to fully contribute to the sustainable development of our beloved continent, Africa.
"Promoting environmental stewardship will instil a sense of responsibility and ethics regarding natural resources. This will lead to better conservation efforts including marine protected areas, reforestation initiatives and wildlife conservation," she said.
