By Seedy Jobe
A newly established Youth Climate Council is seeking to expand the role of young people in shaping environmental policy and decision-making, its organizers said this week, as the country confronts mounting climate challenges.
Mustapha Jarju, the council’s communications and outreach officer, said in a radio interview on Wednesday that the initiative aims to institutionalize youth participation in climate governance. Speaking on KMC FM, he described the council as part of a broader global effort to elevate youth voices in environmental action.
“We want to ensure that young people have a say in decision-making processes and policy implementation,” Mr. Jarju said.
The council will bring together representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and environmental groups, with the goal of contributing to the development and execution of climate policies.
Its formation comes at a time when The Gambia is facing increasing environmental strain. Mr. Jarju pointed to deforestation, the degradation of mangrove ecosystems, and declining fish stocks as among the most pressing concerns.
“Climate change is affecting us daily, and it is high time we take action,” he said.
According to Mr. Jarju, the council’s priorities will include strengthening youth participation in policymaking, building members’ technical capacity, raising public awareness about climate risks, and promoting sustainable development practices.
He added that the body intends to work closely with government institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that young people are meaningfully included in climate-related decisions.
The council’s structure is designed to balance representation between government and civil society, with a rotating chairmanship intended to promote inclusivity and continuity.
“We are not just creating a council; we are creating a movement,” Mr. Jarju said.
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