Accra, Ghana
Much climate action conversation in recent years has focused on the importance of using the transition to clean energy to create a healthier and more just society overall. In Ghana, Chibeze Ezekiel saw a gap between what people were discussing, and what young people in particular were able to do about it.
Seeing the gap between opportunity and action, Chibeze set about creating a movement to center on active youth inclusion in the governance of the Natural Resources and Environmental (NRE) sector which led to the establishment of the Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform in May 2019 through the support of UNDP-Ghana and World Bank-Ghana office. Beyond just demanding action from policy makers or decision makers, he specifically initiated the young green entrepreneurs idea, as change agents with the ability to provide concrete solutions towards attaining climate ambitions and clean energy access. Youth have vision, creativity and passion, but not always the resources and support they need to enact change. So in 2021, Chibeze established the Young Green Entrepreneurs programme to support young green business owners to align their businesses to the government’s climate and environmental priorities.
It’s a solution where everyone benefits. And fittingly, the work of empowering others is a group effort. Succeeding in this project required others to first see and ultimately believe in the same vision. Ezekiel puts it this way:
“As a leader, I always engage my team by sharing my dreams or aspirations for their consideration and buy-in. Once my team members consent to the idea, we then plan and strategize on ways to achieve our collective aim or intended results or benefit. Teamwork has been my style or work culture.”
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In Their Own Words
What was the problem you saw?
The problem that I saw was that in spite of the various discussions on the importance of a just transition, there is a limited place for young people (who can be change agents) to participate effectively in the processes.
What was your idea/insight to solve it and the end result/vision you wanted to achieve?
My idea centers on empowering young people as relevant actors to attain the ambitions of creating a just transition and building green communities. In 2021, my organization established the Young Green Entrepreneurs platform to support young green business owners to align their businesses to government’s priorities as indicated in the National Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Master Plan and the (yet to be launched) National Energy Transition Plan. Given that there’s an increasing call for climate action now, we are of the view that young people given their skills, knowledge and energy should have the opportunity to provide concrete solutions through green entrepreneurship. Treating this as an urgent intervention will help increase and expedite efforts towards addressing climate change. Green entrepreneurship comes with multiple benefits, namely creating employment, curbing deforestation and offering climate solutions. Supporting more young green entrepreneurs will eventually have a cascading effect in society.
Why is this solution important to your country and community?
This solution has the huge potential to position Young Green Entrepreneurs as a catalyst for promoting and developing the country’s rich renewable energy resources for sustainable economic growth, contribute to improved social life and reduce adverse climate change effects
What were the biggest challenges you faced/ran into?
The main challenge we faced was reaching out to more young green entrepreneurs across the country as it requires lots of resources. We however adopted the snowball approach which is yielding results.
How did you mobilize people to take actions?
Taking action and succeeding at it requires a collective effort underpinned by common understanding or appreciation of the issues. As a leader, I always engage my team by sharing my dreams or aspirations for their consideration and buy-in. Once my team members consent to the idea, we then plan and strategize on ways to achieve our collective aim or intended results or benefit. Teamwork has been my style or work culture.
Who were key stakeholders/partners that worked with you?
Relevant state agencies such as the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Energy, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Youth groups from our Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform, Private Sector and Media
What insight, ideas, or suggestions would you offer someone looking to take action in a similar way?
Limited funding has always been the challenge for young people with innovation ideas or solutions. Experience has taught me that it’s possible to start an idea or campaign with no or limited financial resources. My advice is that activists should identify a couple of folks or partners who share their dream. Start a simple awareness creation campaign on social media for example, with no or minimal cost. Look for funders whose objectives align with your idea and demonstrate to them how the idea can help them achieve their goal.
How did this project promote equity or justice in your community?
Given that young people have the right to participate in decision making processes, this project is purely owned and managed by young people. They have the right to stand up and be heard as key agents contributing to finding solutions in society and achieving development agenda as a whole.