Environment, Climate and Wildlife Ministry permanent secretary, Professor Prosper Matondi, delivered a compelling call to action at the ongoing Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, stating the critical role of youth in combating climate change.
The conference, running from June 3 to 13, focuses on evaluating lessons from the first Global Stock take, developing robust reporting tools under the Paris Agreement’s enhanced transparency framework, and supporting developing countries in preparing their biennial transparency reports.
“Our children and youth are the true leaders in the fight against climate change. They are ready and willing to take action, but they need the support and resources to do so effectively.” Professor Matondi said.
He spoke about Zimbabwe’s upcoming update to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. He highlighted that this update presents a pivotal opportunity for the nation to champion climate empowerment by integrating these principles across all climate and development initiatives.
“By embedding these principles across all climate and development initiatives, Zimbabwe can demonstrate global leadership and deliver a sustainable, resilient future for all,” he said. Prof. Matondi pointed out the stark reality of climate change impacts already being felt in Zimbabwe, including prolonged droughts and devastating floods stressing that addressing these challenges requires a unified effort from all sectors of society.
“Climate change is a threat that affects every person in our country. Empowering our citizens with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to engage in climate action is not just a nice-to-have, but an absolute necessity if we are to build a sustainable future for Zimbabwe,” he said.
He called for a collective effort to harness the potential of every Zimbabwean in creating a resilient and sustainable future. “Together, we can unlock the power of an informed, engaged citizenry to tackle the climate crisis head-on and create a better tomorrow for generations to come,” Prof. Matondi said.
