The United Nations Sustainable Development Network (UNSDN) Conference of Youth on Environment and Climate (COYEC) 2026 ended in Abuja on Thursday with renewed calls for stronger climate governance, active youth participation, and coordinated action across Africa, placing a major emphasis on the green economy and sustainable development.
Persecondnews correspondent reports that the two-day conference, themed “Future of Work, Technology, and Sustainability in a Changing Environment,” brought together policymakers, development partners, climate experts, and young leaders to explore solutions to environmental challenges and the growing impact of climate change.
The UNSDN Country Director, Mr. Emmanuel Ola-Olowoyo, said the conference is designed to strengthen collaboration and equip young people with the tools needed to respond to climate challenges and sustainability demands.
“This platform is about building a generation of young people who are informed, engaged, and ready to drive climate action and sustainable development,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that conversations here translate into real partnerships and measurable impact beyond this conference.”
A former Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, Rose Keffas, who delivered a keynote address at the event, harped on governance gaps, technology, and Africa’s climate future.
She warned that climate change is already a lived reality across the continent, requiring urgent structural responses.
“Climate change is not a future threat; it is already shaping realities across Africa, and the question is how effectively we respond. The urgency of climate action must now align with the global 2030 commitments if we are to avoid deeper systemic and environmental risks,” she noted.
Keffas stressed that technology alone cannot address Africa’s climate challenges without strong governance systems and enforcement mechanisms.
“Technology alone will not solve Africa’s climate crisis if governance frameworks remain fragmented and implementation remains weak,” she emphasized.
“We must close the gap between climate commitments and real transformation on the ground through accountability and stronger institutions,” she added.
Amb. Victor Adetolaju, Founder and Executive Director of the Association for Students’ Social Welfare Nigeria, called for stronger youth ownership of climate solutions and implementation frameworks.
“Young people must not only be included in climate conversations but must be placed at the center of decision-making and implementation,” he said.
A project coordinator from Yobe State, Adamu Odo, said participants were engaging to share experiences and contribute solutions to environmental challenges affecting their communities.
He noted that Yobe State, being in the Sahel region, continues to face severe desertification and land degradation.
“We are here to make our contribution and to learn more from the others, so the discussion and engagement is toward how we are going to control issue of environmental degradation, afforestation, as well as general climate change issues,” he said.
“Yobe State is already experiencing the harsh realities of climate change, and we must work collectively to change that narrative,” he added.
The Federal government through the Ministries of Youth Development, Environment, and Power jointly reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening climate action, renewable energy expansion, and youth empowerment as it aligns with the structures of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Persecondnews reports that stakeholders, innovators, development partners, and civil society organisations also pledged continued collaboration to support climate resilience, green innovation, and sustainable development initiatives across Nigeria and Africa.
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