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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
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
By: Zagazola Makama
Chadian security forces on Sunday recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a joint search operation in parts of the capital, N’Djamena, as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity.
Sources Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the 10th arrondissement and parts of the 2nd arrondissement of the city.
According to the sources, the joint team of internal security forces seized 28 pistols, 14 other firearms, and more than 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition during the raid.
They also recovered military equipment and six vehicles suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
“Two gun owners were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody for further investigation,” a senior security official said.
He explained that the exercise was conducted under the supervision of top security authorities and formed part of broader measures to dismantle criminal networks and curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the capital.
The official added that the recovery of the weapons had significantly disrupted the operations of armed groups and criminal elements in the affected districts.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chadian security services to sustaining pressure on all groups involved in arms trafficking, banditry and other threats to public safety.
“The security forces will continue intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country,” he said.
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
To Commission Nigerian House in Davos Tomorrow
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the alpine town of Davos, Switzerland, to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23, 2026.
The Vice President arrived from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the presidential inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Saturday.
He was received on arrival by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, and Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Switzerland.
The 2026 WEF marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy with the official debut of “Nigeria House Davos.” For the first time, the Federal Government has established a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade.
This facility, a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will serve as a permanent hub for high-level ministerial engagements, investment roundtables, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week.
Vice President Shettima will present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to the world’s most influential political and business leaders, as he participates in key plenary sessions focusing on the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology.
Throughout the week, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, top executives from multinational corporations, and leaders of international development finance institutions to deepen partnerships that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In an interview with journalists shortly after the VP’s arrival, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole said Nigeria would makena robust presentation of investment opportunities in the country at the launch of the Nigeria House in Davos which will focus on President Tinubu’s efforts in revamping the economy.
According to the Minister, “we will be showcasing four playbooks on President Tinubu’s efforts in re-engineering the Nigerian economy. We will present our solid minerals sector, climate sustainability agriculture, creative and digital sectors to investors from all over the world.”
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move
By: Michael Mike
The Coalition in Defence of Nigeria (CDN) has publicly supported the Federal Government’s decision to engage a United States-based lobbying firm over allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing the move as a strategic step toward strengthening the nation’s security and international relations.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the coalition insisted that the engagement of the lobby firm is not merely a public relations exercise but a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s long-term stability and global credibility.
The National Publicity Secretary of CDN, Mallam Isa Shehu, said Nigeria is currently grappling with serious security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and organized crime. He noted that these threats extend beyond Nigeria’s borders and are often connected to international networks involved in arms trafficking, extremist financing, and cybercrime.
Shehu argued that hiring a reputable U.S. lobbying firm would help Nigeria build stronger partnerships with foreign governments, particularly in areas of intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism collaboration, and technical support for security agencies.
He further explained that the move would ensure that Nigeria’s security concerns receive greater attention in Washington and other global decision-making centres, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace across the country.
The coalition stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective effort, not just government action. It called on civil society groups, business leaders, political actors, and ordinary citizens to play their roles in promoting national unity and security.
While acknowledging that the lobby contract alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security problems, the CDN maintained that it is a valuable diplomatic tool that could strengthen the country’s position on the global stage.
The group urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s decision, saying the issue is not political but essential for national survival and development.
The CDN concluded by reaffirming its full backing for the initiative and calling for nationwide solidarity in the fight against insecurity.
CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move
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