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.

Reflecting on the critical role that young innovators play in forging climate-resilient economies, Professor Verkooijen emphasized the transformative power of youth-led solutions: “Empowering young people with the skills, opportunities, and leadership platforms they need is not just an investment in jobs—it’s an investment in resilient communities and a thriving green economy. When youth are equipped to innovate and lead, they transform challenges into employment, drive sustainable growth and become architects of our shared future.”