Dakar, Senegal, August 12, 2024 – To celebrate the International Youth Day, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) hosted a conversation on the role of youth and digital innovation in driving efforts to achieve sustainable development in Senegal and across Africa. The fireside chat discussion, themed “Climate Smart Entrepreneurship: A sustainable Pathway for Tech Entrepreneurs in Senegal”, brought together youth leaders, government officials, youth innovators, entrepreneurs and industry experts to discuss the critical role of young people in climate action, explore innovative digital solutions, and emphasize the importance of multi-generational collaboration in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the transition to green economy.

Celebrated every year on August 12, this year’s Youth Day was marked under the theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” The Celebration in Senegal was hosted by GGGI in collaboration with Haske Ventures and Ignite.E.

The day featured a conversation on the role of youth-led digital innovation in climate adaptation and mitigation in Africa, and highlighted the role played by youth in Senegal in seeking innovative solutions to address challenges related climate change.

Assana Alio, GGGI Country Representative in Senegal said: “Without youth we cannot achieve the SDGs. Youth are at the forefront of the efforts to drive Africa’s mitigation and adaptation efforts. If we want to make an impact, we must include the youth in all our efforts.”

She also noted that climate change impacts all sectors and all aspects of life: from agriculture to food security, energy, transport, encompassing all development aspects.

“We must therefore work together, innovate and commit to action that responds to the challenges posed by climate change,” she added.

“We must adapt our solutions to local realities and context, invest in research and seek new opportunities as well as innovative, adapted technological solutions to the current climate challenges. The opportunities for the youth are endless, but their role is also critical,” said USAID’s Marie Jeanne Sarr, a speaker at the conversation.

Africa is the world’s youngest continent and is experiencing the fastest growing youth population. Approximately 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30 and it is projected that by 2050, the youth population is expected to reach 850 million people. In Senegal, approximately 75% of the population is below the age of 35. This is an indication that the youth are vital players in the efforts to achieve a sustainable, green future.

Participants in the discussions called for continued efforts to support youth’s initiatives and build their capacity to drive the green transition much efficiently and effectively.

“If we want to achieve this, it will only be by working in collaboration and by placing the human element at the heart of our actions,” noted Awa Caba, a panelist and founder of Soreetul.

You can watch the conversation again on our YouTube Channel.

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