Resilient40 is pleased to share reflections from a high-level bilateral dialogue held on 27 May 2026 at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi bringing together African youth leaders and the COP31 Youth Champion, Ms. Sally Higgins ahead of the 64th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) in Bonn, Germany.
The dialogue, convened through the leadership of the Australian Government and the COP31 Youth Champion Presidency provided an important platform for meaningful engagement between African youth representatives and the incoming COP31 youth leadership. The meeting focused on key climate priorities, expectations, and recommendations from African youth as the international community prepares for critical negotiations at SB64 and the road to COP31.
During the engagement, African youth representatives emphasized several priority areas, including:
* Increased ambition on climate adaptation and resilience-building.
* Enhanced access to climate finance for youth-led and community-driven initiatives.
* Greater support for locally led adaptation and loss and damage responses.
* Meaningful youth participation across all levels of climate governance.
* Accelerated implementation of just and equitable energy transitions.
* Stronger recognition of climate justice, human rights, and intergenerational equity within UNFCCC processes.
* Support for sustainable and climate-resilient agri-food systems across Africa.
Resilient40 also highlighted the significance of the ongoing African Advisory Opinion initiative on State Obligations in Response to the Climate Crisis before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. We emphasized the growing momentum behind this effort and its potential contribution to strengthening climate accountability, advancing climate justice and protecting the rights of present and future generations across the continent.
As Africa continues to face disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, African youth remain committed to advancing solutions that are inclusive, equitable and grounded in the needs of vulnerable communities.
We commend Ms. Sally Higgins, the Australian Government, and all partners involved for creating a space for constructive dialogue and engagement with African youth. Such conversations are critical to ensuring that the perspectives, aspirations, and priorities of young people are reflected in the outcomes of SB64 and the pathway toward COP31.
Our position: https://shorturl.at/xzplO
Resilient40 remains committed to working with youth networks, civil society organizations, governments, and international partners to amplify African voices and advance climate justice, resilience, and sustainable development across the continent.
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