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Commonwealth Report: Young People Are Unable to Adequately Access Funds Needed to Tackle Climate Change
Commonwealth Report: Young People Are Unable to Adequately Access Funds Needed to Tackle Climate Change
Young people, who are among those most at risk to the impacts of climate change, are not accessing the funds they need to tackle the challenges posed by global warming, according to a report.
The joint report published on 9 December by the Commonwealth Secretariat and YOUNGO, the children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), analysed 100 climate finance initiatives targeted at young people.
While it showed an increase in youth-focused climate finance, funds are mainly disbursed in small amounts, hindering large-scale youth-led climate action.
In addition, the audit information provided by funders lacked full transparency, especially about beneficiaries and what projects were funded.
In response, the report calls for a fit-for-purpose approach to deploying climate finance for youth-led actions to remove existing barriers and ensure young people receive a fair share of support.
The proposed solutions include targeted reporting, a streamlined process for accessing funds with a focus on clear eligibility criteria, increased private sector support and new innovative financing sources.
According to a statement on Monday by the Commonwealth Secretariat, Climate finance, a core part of the Paris Agreement, is provided to help developing countries cut greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The report was launched at a side event, ‘Empowering Youth Leadership: Experiences from the Commonwealth in Access to Climate Finance, Capacity Building and Technology’ – hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the governments of Fiji and Zambia on 9 December 2023 during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
Speaking at the event, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said: “Young people, who make up 60 per cent of Commonwealth citizens, are on the frontline of the climate crisis, living mostly in areas prone to extreme weather events.
“As a result, many are facing job losses, displacement, health issues and educational setbacks. In the face of adversity, the resilience of young people shines through as they harness their drive and talent to lead on powerful climate solutions.”
She added: “This report reveals the dire need to scale up financial support for young people and prevent them from being stuck in the vicious cycle of chasing funds. We must work together with young people to address the barriers they face in accessing climate finance and support them in scaling contributions to meeting climate targets. This is essential to our belief that youth-led action is integral to our pursuit for a sustainable future for all.”
During the event, participants shared their experiences on accessing climate finance, upskilling and leveraging technology to empower youth-led efforts in tackling the challenges posed by climate change, while examining ways to maximise existing opportunities.
By: Michael Mike
Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu said: “The future belongs to the children, and we should do everything possible to ensure we leave a liveable climate for them. We realise we need to pass the baton of leadership to the youth. We are increasing our support to the youth to take leadership which demonstrates our unwavering support for the Commonwealth Year of the Youth.”
He urged youth to use their energy, presence, connections and innovation to drive the change needed to save the planet.
In his remarks, Naipote Tako Katonitabua, Fiji’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, said: “The world is facing unprecedented impacts of climate change the global stocktake has shown us how far behind we are in our climate ambitions.”
“We need dramatic actions to benefit our climate and we need them now,” adding that: “Youth inclusion at all levels in climate action including at political level is necessary to ensure the sustainability of our efforts.”
Research Director at YOUNGO’s Finance and Markets Working Group, Sheen Tyagi said: “The seeds of environmental resilience are sown in the passion and innovation of youth. Investing in youth-led climate projects is not just an investment in the future; it’s a commitment to safeguarding our planet.”
She added that: “Climate finance directed towards our projects is the imperative bridge between aspirations and actionable change. The currency of change lies in climate finance for the youth, and to ensure a sustainable tomorrow, we need the unwavering support of governments, institutions, the private sector, communities, and every individual.”
During the event, Senior Director at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Economic Youth and Sustainable Development, Dr Ruth Kattumuri announced this year’s winners of the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Award.
Bangladesh’s Areebah Armin Ahsan and Pakistan’s Sarah Shahbaz Khan received awards for their outstanding short stories: ‘Tragedy to Triumph: Biogas in Daria Nagar’ and ‘Mud-coated Walls and Sandy Dunes’, respectively.
In the category of the best technical solution, Uganda’s Michael Okao, Darius Ogwang and Joshua Elem were recognised for their solar concentrator that harnesses renewable energy for clean cooking.
Nigeria’s Michael Chiangi Gbagir won the best educators award for his initiative ‘EcoPower Adventure’, which engages different communities through interactive learning activities, such as energy scavenger hunts.
According to the statement by the Commonwealth Secretariat, The ‘Availability of Climate Finance for Youth’ report will inform the Commonwealth Secretariat’s ongoing work, especially its Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, which has supported small and vulnerable countries to access about $322 million of climate finance for projects to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Commonwealth Report: Young People Are Unable to Adequately Access Funds Needed to Tackle Climate Change
News
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, officially opened a newly constructed 48-classroom High Islamic College in Gubio Local Government Area of northern Borno.

The state-of-the-art institution is designed to offer a hybrid curriculum that integrates western education with traditional sangaya (Qur’anic) educational system.

Zulum had introduced an integrated policy framework which aims to provide students with a holistic education, grounding them in both religious principles and contemporary academic knowledge.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zulum emphasised that the college is structured to ensure its graduates are not only deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship but are also fully equipped and qualified to pursue higher education in conventional institutions.
“Our focus has been on revitalising the system by preserving its rich tradition of Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational skills. We recognise the historic role of sangaya education in shaping moral values, discipline, and learning within our communities, while also equipping learners with essential skills in literacy, numeracy, science, technology, foundational English, and vocational training to enable them to function effectively and competitively in today’s society.”

“Through institutions operating under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) approved curriculum, sangaya learners are now receiving a balanced education that integrates Islamic Studies with modern knowledge. These reforms have created clear pathways for graduates to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and, where they so desire, progress to higher institutions of learning to further develop their potential.”
The facility, in addition to the 48 classrooms, also features administrative blocks and a library. It is expected to serve hundreds of students from Gubio and surrounding communities, reducing the need for children to travel far from home for quality integrated education.

Zulum also commissioned the Gubio II Junior Day Secondary School, executed by Borno State Government. During a tour of the facilities, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, explained that classrooms are intended to provide safe and inclusive learning spaces, with a particular focus on improving access for adolescent girls.
… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned three projects executed by the Chairman of Gubio Local Government Area, Mali Bulama Mali Gubio.
The projects include Gubio Oil Mills, Zulum Ultramodern Clinic, and Mustapha Gubio Shopping Complex.
The occasions were attended by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; and Members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zanah and Engr Bukar Talba.
Other dignitaries include the Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commissioners, special advisers and other senior government officials.
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
News
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has charged the newly appointed chairman of the Yusufari local government area to consider security of lives and property as the priority of the administration.
Buni gave the warning today while swearing in Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the chairman of the council following the death of Alhaji Bah Abba Aji some few days ago.
According to Buni, the death of the chairman has created a vacuum that must be filled for continuity in governance, and this justifies the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the new chairman of the Yusufari local government council.
He urged him to be a good team player for a result-oriented administration that would give members of the council and people of the local government area a sense of belonging.
Governor Buni also urged the new chairman to conduct government business transparently to promote accountability and probity as well as to channel government resources into areas of need that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
He appealed to the people of the local government area to support the new chairman for a smooth and successful administration that would meet the needs of the people.
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
News
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has approved a substantial increase in rural allowances for health workers as part of efforts to address the shortage of medical personnel in remote communities across the state.
The governor announced the decision after inspecting several government projects in the northern axis of Borno. The inspection covered Government Secondary School, Gubio; two general hospitals; and ongoing housing developments in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.

Under the new arrangement, medical doctors posted to rural areas under the State Hospital Management Board will receive a rural allowance equivalent to their full basic salary, representing a 100 per cent increase. Nurses and midwives serving in similar locations will receive a 40 per cent increase in their rural allowances. The policy takes effect from January 1.
Governor Zulum said the move was informed by persistent manpower gaps in public health facilities, particularly in rural communities.
“We are facing serious challenges with human resources for health. Many of our hospitals do not have enough doctors and nurses,” he said. “Our findings show that a good number of medical professionals prefer working with international organisations because the pay is better. We must respond to this reality.”
According to the governor, the improved welfare package is expected to make rural postings more attractive and encourage more qualified personnel to work in general hospitals at the local government level.
He expressed optimism that the incentive would significantly improve healthcare delivery in villages and underserved areas, adding that health workers willing to take up rural postings should report to the State Hospital Management Board.

During his visit to Government Secondary School, Gubio, the governor also directed the immediate provision of essential facilities for the school’s laboratories and library to improve teaching and learning.
The inspection tour was attended by the Senator representing Borno North, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah and Engr. Bukar Talba; and several commissioners and senior government officials, including those in charge of information, works and housing, local government affairs, and water resources.
The allowance increase forms part of the Zulum administration’s broader strategy to strengthen public service delivery and improve living conditions in rural communities across Borno State.
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
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