GCA YOUTH LEADERSHIP FOR ADAPTATION ACTION EXCHANGE DINNER
Exchange Dinner
Innovations in food systems are critical for increased agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and ultimately food and nutrition security, improved rural livelihoods, and the economy.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN ADAPTATION ACTION
On the sidelines of COP30, the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) will host the Youth Exchange for Adaptation Action. This event will bring together government leaders and young people to discuss fostering youth leadership, creating adaptation jobs, and mainstreaming climate adaptation education and training.
GCA is leading youth participation in climate adaptation decision-making. In 2025, the GCA Youth Leadership and Education program organized five Youth Adaptation Forums in Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The results of these forums have been drafted into written communiqués and these will be delivered at COP30.
At COP28 in Dubai, GCA CEO Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen announced the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day. The Day, held for the second time in 2025, consisted of Youth Consultations on Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans, Youth, and Adaptation held around the world. The winner of the “My Adaptation Solution Video Competition” will be announced at COP30.
In the lead-up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the Youth Leadership and Education program has expanded the African Youth Adaptation Network, with the nomination of In-Country Focal Points in 46 countries across Africa.
METHODOLOGY
This event will take place in the form of a working dinner and consist of two segments:
- A Youth Adaptation Exchange where young people discuss key achievements in 2025 and the way forward in 2026.
- A high-level ceremony with the announcement of the video competition winner and remarks from the GCA CEO and other decision-makers.
OBJECTIVES
- Present key achievements in youth climate adaptation in 2025, including building the African Youth Adaptation Network, the five Youth Adaptation Forums, the second Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day and the Pan-African Youth Academy on Climate Adaptation and Leadership.
- Defining the needs and outcomes of the Youth Adaptation Forums through the delivery of the Youth Communiqués to global leaders.
- Bring together young leaders attending COP30 to celebrate youth leadership in climate adaptation.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- What are the most impactful achievements in youth mobilization on climate adaptation over the past year?
- How to scale up youth leadership for climate adaptation action?
CONTACT
For more information, kindly contact Adriana Valenzuela, Youth Leadership and Education Thematic Lead at youth@gca.org.