In March 2024, Green Totos Uganda (GTU) participated in the Pan African Youth Conference (PAYC) under the theme  ‘Beyond All Talks; Youth as Drivers of Africa’s Peace, Political and Socio-Economic Development’ organized by the African Youth Commission held at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi-Kenya.. This significant event brought together young leaders from across Africa to discuss pressing issues affecting the continent, particularly in relation to climate change and sustainable development. The conference aimed to empower African youth to develop concrete solutions for the challenges facing their communities and to take an active role in shaping the future of Africa.

Empowering African Youth

The PAYC 2024 focused on equipping young people with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to drive change within their respective countries. Discussions revolved around various themes, including innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The emphasis was placed on fostering a sense of responsibility among youth to lead initiatives that address local and continental challenges.

Green Totos Uganda’s involvement in this conference underscored its commitment to youth empowerment and environmental advocacy. As a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting sustainable practices among young people, GTU actively engaged in workshops and discussions aimed at generating actionable strategies for climate resilience.

Loss and Damage Conference

Coinciding with PAYC 2024 was the Loss and Damage Conference, which highlighted the urgent need for equitable climate finance and justice. This conference addressed the impacts of climate change that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities across Africa. It served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss mechanisms for addressing loss and damage resulting from climate-related disasters.

The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated; many African nations are already experiencing severe consequences due to climate change, including droughts, floods, and food insecurity. The Loss and Damage Conference called for increased international support for adaptation measures and financial resources that can help mitigate these impacts.

Thembo Johnson Puruka, co-founder and lead representative of Green Totos Uganda, played a pivotal role at both conferences. His participation not only showcased GTU’s commitment but also provided an opportunity to advocate for youth involvement in climate action discussions. Puruka emphasized the importance of integrating youth perspectives into policy-making processes related to climate finance.

During his presentations, he highlighted successful initiatives led by GTU that demonstrate how young people can contribute effectively to environmental sustainability. By sharing these experiences, Puruka inspired other attendees to take similar actions within their communities.

The participation of Green Totos Uganda at the Pan African Youth Conference alongside the Loss and Damage Conference represents a critical step towards empowering African youth in addressing climate change challenges. By advocating for equitable climate finance and emphasizing youth leadership in sustainable development initiatives, GTU is contributing significantly to shaping a resilient future for Africa.