In May 2025, the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), in collaboration with the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GYEM), hosted the Youth Adaptation Forum Ghana that convened over 120 young people, civil society actors, researchers, and policymakers at the University of Ghana for two days of powerful dialogue on climate adaptation and youth leadership. The Forum created a space for emerging voices to engage with national adaptation efforts, share local solutions, and call for stronger inclusion of youth and community-based actors in shaping Ghana’s climate resilience agenda.
A major output of the forum was the Youth Communique, a document summarising the insights, priorities, and policy demands of participants. This communique was formally presented to national and international stakeholders, including representatives from the EPA, GCA, and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, as a call to action to deepen youth involvement in national adaptation planning.
To sustain the momentum from the forum, GYEM hosted a two-day webinar on July 4th and 5th, which brought together 45 youth participants involved in adaptation projects. The first day focused on peer learning, with participants sharing their project experiences, challenges, and lessons.
On the second day, Dr. Emmanuel Tachie Obeng, Acting Director of the Climate Change Unit at the Ghana Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), delivered a presentation on current government-led adaptation initiatives and outlined actionable opportunities for youth engagement.
One participant commented:
“I didn’t know much about what we’re doing as a nation on climate adaptation. Learning that it’s now part of the new basic school curriculum is refreshing and hopeful.”
From open conversations to shared stories and fresh insights, the Youth Adaptation Webinar reminded us that change begins with connection. As young leaders listened, learned, and voiced their hopes, it became clear: Ghana’s climate future is brighter when youth are at the table and not just as participants, but as partners.
