Gambia/ Manjang Urges Youth Inclusion in Climate Policy Decisions
(ANG) – The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John-Manjang, has emphasized the importance of ensuring that children and young people have a voice in decisions affecting their environment and future.
The Minister made the remarks during the second edition of the Special MansaKunda, a ministerial dialogue organized by the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services in collaboration with UNICEF. The dialogue brought together Gambian children to discuss climate change, environmental protection, and collective efforts to build a safer and more sustainable future.
The forum provided an opportunity for children to openly share their concerns, ask questions, and engage directly with decision-makers on environmental challenges affecting their communities and the measures being taken to address them.
Responding to concerns raised by the children, Hon. Manjang stressed that protecting children from environmental challenges must go hand in hand with giving them meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
She noted that children are among those most affected by environmental and climate-related challenges, making their perspectives essential in shaping policies and interventions aimed at building a resilient and sustainable future.
She highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to participate in climate policy discussions, noting that the implementing regulations of the Climate Change Act will constitute a Youth Climate Change Council.
According to the Minister, the proposed Council will provide young people with a platform to contribute to climate policy and provide policy direction on issues affecting their future.
She emphasized that meaningful action on climate change requires the participation of all members of society, particularly young people who will live with the long-term consequences of decisions being made today.
The Special MansaKunda dialogue underscored the importance of listening to children and creating platforms where they can freely express their concerns, share ideas, and contribute to solutions for a healthier and more sustainable environment.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental awareness and climate action while ensuring that the voices and perspectives of children and young people are meaningfully reflected in shaping The Gambia’s environmental and climate future.
ANG/ Gambia Daily
