Building the African Youth Adaptation Network 

The Youth Adaptation Network (YAN), launched in 2020 through the Global Youth Call to Action on Adaptation, is an umbrella platform to engage, empower, and amplify the role of young people in the adaptation agenda. This unique network brings together youth-led organizations and young people from around the world who are passionate about climate adaptation to translate knowledge into action and advocate for accelerated adaptation at the local level through implementing adaptation solutions.  

Key Objectives  

The Youth Adaptation Network aims to:  

• Connect young people and youth organizations to build the youth adaptation movement.  
• Empower youth to lead and drive climate adaptation solutions.  
• Ensure youth voices are central to the adaptation agenda.  

Membership

There are two different levels of membership of the Youth Adaptation Network: 

• In-Country Focal Points in Africa: One youth-led organization per African country (see requirements below) 
• General Members of the Youth Adaptation Network: open to all young people and youth-led organizations in the world. If you are an individual interested in becoming part of the world’s largest Youth Adaptation Movement, apply here. 

What is the African Youth Adaptation Network? 

What are the African In-Country Focal Points? 

GCA’s is seeking youth-led local organizations in Africa committed to youth engagement, climate action, or sustainability to become In-Country Focal Points In their country. 

What are the application requirements to become an In-Country Focal Point? 

• Registered organizations; 
• Minimum 2 years of experience; 
• Mandate with climate change, adaptation, or youth engagement. 

How will the In-Country Focal Points benefit? 

• Access to online training on climate adaptation and youth leadership. 
• Access to a network of youth-led organizations across Africa advancing climate adaptation. 
• Access to peer-to-peer exchanges and knowledge transfers on youth leadership and climate adaptation. 
• Opportunity to be featured on the GCA website through spotlight features and blog post. 

What is the selection process of the In-Country Focal Points in Africa? 

• Open Call for Applications: Youth-led organizations respond to the open call by submitting their application. Deadline: 19^th May. 
• Shortlisting: The Global Center on Adaptation reviews all applications and creates a shortlist based on the shortlist criteria. Shortlist announced: 26^th May. 
• Video Submission: Shortlisted organizations are invited to submit a one-minute video outlining their vision for building the Youth Adaptation Network within their country. Deadline: 1^st June. 
• Public Voting: The submitted videos are shared on social media platforms, and the public votes to determine the In-Country Focal Point. Voting open: 4^th June – 11^th June. 
• Onboarding: The organization selected through public voting is officially onboarded as the In-Country Focal Point. Focal Points announced: 16^th June. 

What are the commitments of In-Country Focal Points?  

In-Country Focal Points commit to the following:  

• One Year Voluntary Commitment. 
• Nomination of two Youth Adaptation Network Contact Persons. 
• Connect Regularly: Attend online meetings of the Youth Adaptation Network (quarterly and as needed).  
• Build the Youth Adaptation Network:  
  – Increase awareness about the Youth Adaptation Network in their country. 
  – Help young people register for the network. 
  – Carry out a learning needs assessment provided by the Global Center on Adaptation. 
• Lead Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day:  
  – Organize a Youth Consultation on October 12th, bringing together various stakeholders. 
  – Create a written communiqué of this consultation to be presented at COP30. 
• Engage with the Youth Academy:  
  – Encourage young people to use the GCA’s Toolkit on Climate Adaptation and Leadership. 
  – Nominate two focal points to attend the online Youth Academy. 
• Share Knowledge: Contribute local expertise and opportunities to the network through blog posts or the quarterly newsletter. 

What are the Selection Criteria? 

• Experience in climate action and adaptation. 
• Experience mobilizing and engaging youth. 
• Strong local presence and reach.  
• Ability to nominate YAN Contact Persons.  
• YAN Contact Persons must hold either bachelor’s degree or demonstrated experience in sustainability/climate change/youth and be proficient in English. 
• Organizational capacity for network building and access to internet. 
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a membership that reflects diverse backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, persons with limited formal education, single parents, and individuals of all genders—evidenced by submitting disaggregated membership data (e.g. counts and percentages of women, members with disabilities, etc.).

Click on the button below to access the Open Call: African In-Country Focal Point Youth Adaptation Network Application Form