Youths in the South-South region of the country have pledged their commitment towards amplifying regional voices for climate justice, policy inclusion and innovation linking local solutions to global efforts for a just transition and a climate resilient society.

They have also affirmed their commitment for a sustainable and equitable future while adopting creativity and leadership to address climate change issues.

As key drivers for “climate justice, energy transition and sustainable livelihood, they have promised to work for renewable energy and innovation as powerful pathways for green jobs in the country,” as they seek to be part of decision-making processes.

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This was part of the resolutions reached at the 2025 South-South Regional Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Nigeria) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, which drew participants from all states in the region including Civil Society Organisations, government representatives and innovators.

With the theme, ‘Youth at the forefront of climate justice, accelerating action for a just transition,’ the conference spotlighted “youth-led solutions to the climate crisis in the South-South, a region at the intersection of fossil fuel dependency, ecological damage and emergency opportunities for green transformation.”

They also called for the establishment of a regional youth climate fund to support innovative projects, adoption of a 40 percent renewable energy target by 20230 across the region and the implementation of youth representation in environmental policy councils.

Organised by Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) in partnership with Actionaid Nigeria, participants were urged to take ownership of climate solutions rather than wait to be included and were advised to be “innovative and courageous in building a sustainable society.”

Elkanah Oluyori, executive director of the Foundation, urged the youth to be vanguards of the climate crisis rather than being victims, adding that they should be at the forefront of the climate justice in the region by using digital tools such as the social media, storytelling to drive awareness, inspire change and promote accountability.

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Also speaking, Caroline Gordian, project lead of the Clement Isong Foundation gave an overview of the Strategic Partnership Agreement 11 project implemented by Actionaid Nigeria and funded by Danida, saying the programme aimed to “empower young, women and marginalised communities to promote climate accountability, democratic governance and sustainable livelihoods.”

She noted that “equipping youths with the right tools and platforms would enable them become active creators of change, not passive recipients of aid.”

In a keynote address, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, executive director of Policy Alert and the acting chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Government Climate and Oil Derivatives Accountability (AKGCODA) called for justice-centred climate action, accountability in the fossil fuel sector as well as youth inclusion in policy frameworks.

He cautioned against “false climate solutions,” and urged transparency in climate finance and equitable representation of frontline communities.