T he Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today convened a landmark High-Level Intergenerational Dialogue on Accelerating Adaptation, bringing together youth leaders, H.E. Macky Sall, Chair of the Board of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA); H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Honorary Chair of GCA’s Board and Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, President and CEO of GCA. The event underscored the critical role of young people in designing and implementing locally led climate resilience solutions across Africa.

President Macky Sall reflected on Africa’s progress and the partnership model that underpins GCA’s work, noting that “Through our partnership with the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation, we helped unlock US $1 billion in climate finance in Kenya through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program. These investments are delivering real results—in agriculture, infrastructure, digital innovation, and youth entrepreneurship. When youth are equipped and supported, Africa doesn’t just adapt—it thrives” . He urged the assembled leaders and innovators to recognize that “Africa’s future is being written by its people—by the young people of Homa Bay, and by young leaders like you. You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the heartbeat of today.”