The National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) has called on the government and development partners to increase funding for climate change interventions to mitigate climate-related challenges.
The call comes as Malawi has submitted its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking during a youth sensitisation meeting in Mzuzu City, NYNCC National Coordinator Dominic Nyasulu said the NDC 3.0 presented young people with an opportunity to become active contributors to climate action.
The implementation of NDC 3.0, which covers the period from 2025 to 2035, would require an estimated $7.06 billion, with adaptation interventions projected to cost $2.84 billion and mitigation activities estimated at $4.21 billion.
- Advertisement -
“The document recognises the role of young people and women in climate action. What is needed now is adequate funding to enable meaningful participation and implementation of youth-led initiatives,” Nyasulu said.
- Advertisement -
On his part, Mzuzu University (Mzuni) lecturer in the Department of Water and Sanitation, Vincent Banda, acknowledged the financing challenges facing climate action.
“Resources may be limited but young people have the potential to develop innovative solutions that can help communities adapt to climate change,” said Banda.
The development of Malawi’s NDC 3.0 followed extensive consultations at both national and sub-national levels involving government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, development partners, youth groups, women, local communities and other stakeholders.
Among its key commitments, the NDC sets a target of achieving 30 percent youth representation in climate governance structures and NDC committees by 2030.
- Advertisement -
The document also proposes a dedicated funding window that would allocate 10 percent of climate action programme resources to youth-led climate initiatives.
