On Saturday, 6 July 2024, the participants of the “Ambassadeurs Intergenerationels pour la Durabilité Emvoronnementale (A.I.D.E)”, also known as “Intergenerationels Ambassadors for Environmental Sustainability” 2024 made their Call for Action for Climate Justice known to interested stakeholders in Lomé, Togo. Below is the full declaration.
SGAfrik works at the same time as a think-tank and a grassroots non-profit organization which aims to bring about lasting solutions to problems the society is facing. We understand that contributing to the global development goals can be achieved by applying research outputs in solving problems, but especially in nurturing a culture of intergenerational learning and working together across all the generations to solve the most pressing issues such as biodiversity loss, pollution and the climate crisis. Fully cognizant of that, SGAfrik has been very
instrumental in involving both adults and the younger generations in campaigning and advocating for a safe planet and future for all in Togo.
From capacity-building activities, talk shows, online postings and intergenerational contests, close to 300 people involving kids, mentors, parents and grandparents have been directly mobilized overall to fight climate change over the past two years. Most importantly, ClimateSaturday events and networking with the Togolese population with ecopreneurs and green entrepreneurs’ companies in the country have increased the interest of many families and neighborhoods in embarking on eco-friendly lifestyles; thus, contributing to combatting the climate crisis.
SGAfrik believes that bringing the youngsters, mentors and parents/grandparents together under the same umbrella will foster intergenerational collaboration and engagement in promoting environmental sustainability. This led us to initiate the 2023 (first) and 2024 (second) “Ambassadeurs Intergénérationnels pour la Durabilité Environnementale (A.I.D.E)” known also as “Intergenerational Ambassadors for Environmental Sustainability (I.A.E.S.)”, with the core objective of building strong intergenerational collaboration and synergy for climate resilience and sustainability, intergenerational inclusion, and transformation. This programme is designed to hold policymakers accountable, raise ambition on equitable and fair climate and environmental action, and cultivate youth leadership rooted in community power and cohesion.
A CALL FOR ACTION
As the 1st phase of the second edition of the A.I.D.E 2024 programme happening this year is coming to an end, here are the recommendations, we the participants are making as climate and environmental advocates to decision-makers and interested stakeholders to act upon for the greater good of our planet in general and Togolese in particular, given the importance and urgency of the climate issue :
- First, we request from the decision-makers to Decree a day as a “National Zero Energy Wastage Day”. This day should be a cherished annual event dedicated to celebrating and appreciating people’s efforts to reduce energy waste but also to create awareness and remind people to take an active role in preserving and restoring the environment. A “National Zero Energy Wastage Day” would foster a culture of energy consciousness, benefiting both the environment and the well-being of Togolese citizens (environmental impact, resource efficiency, economic savings, health and wellbeing and sustainable development).
- Second, instate a “National Youth Advisory Council” with a mandate to reflect and address climate and socio-economic-related issues based on proved and validated scientific research and feasibility. This council should be independent enough to formulate true and pertinent recommendations to decision-makers and interested stakeholders.
- Third, organize on an annual basis a “National Climate Assembly” by bringing together the youngsters, the youth and the elders to reflect on the climate profile of the country and suggest recommendations. This will contribute to helping in bottom-up decision-making processes and reflect the true mind of the local communities.
- Lastly, instate the initiative “National Youth Climate Action Fund” to motivate and support young people to engage in ecopreneurs and green initiatives.
As we celebrate the openness of the government to climate action, we believe that these recommendations will foster the government and stakeholders in achieving sustainability, and the country’s National Determined Contribution (NDC) as defined in the Paris Agreement.
The Call for Action can be downloaded here both in French and English.
DECLARATION AND CALL FOR ACTION-ENGLISH&FRENCH VERSION