Youth-Led Activism Crucial in Confronting Climate Change

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, stressed the vital role of youth-led activism in confronting the threat of climate change. Speaking at the BRICS Youth Summit in Durban, Morolong emphasised the significance of the BRICS nations as key players in the global energy landscape, both as consumers and producers of energy needs.

Addressing the dual challenge of ensuring energy security and combating climate change, Morolong called for a transition to a more secure and sustainable energy system as reported by SA News. He highlighted the potential benefits this transition holds for the youth, underlining the importance of investing in education and skills training for young people to embrace new job opportunities in renewable energy technologies fully.

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“The investment should focus on technical training in renewable energy technologies, as well as broader skills like project management, policy analysis, and entrepreneurship. Equipped with these skills, a corps of skilled youth can effectively tap into the economic opportunities that arise from renewable energy interventions,” stated Morolong.

Moreover, the Just Energy Transition offers significant entrepreneurial opportunities for young people in BRICS nations to create start-ups providing innovative solutions in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. Morolong encouraged financiers and governments to develop new financial instruments and provide financial support and mentoring to encourage entrepreneurship practically.

He emphasised the need for a favourable regulatory environment and the promotion of collaboration between start-ups, academia, and industry, driven by government initiatives. The Just Energy Transition presents a unique opportunity to generate substantial economic value for domestic and youth economies.

By creating green jobs, investing in education and skills training, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and involving the youth in policy-making, BRICS nations can ensure a just and equitable energy transition.

The BRICS Youth Summit, held under the theme “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism,” provided a platform for youth participants to exchange ideas and develop a concrete Action Plan for cooperation in economic, humanitarian, mass media, and science sectors.

This four-day summit, initiated by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, is a precursor to the 15th BRICS Summit scheduled for August 2023.

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Photo: Facebook / @Kenny Morolong