Youth Climate Council (YCC) Set to Launch, Empowering Young Leaders in Climate Action

By Seedy Jobe

The Youth Climate Council (YCC) is poised to enter a new chapter in youth-led climate initiatives with the official launch of its platform, aimed at empowering young people to address the pressing climate crisis.

According to Mr. Modou Lamin Gassama, YCC Coordinator, the council will operate as an independent, youth-led, and youth-focused coalition, bringing together climate activists, youth organizations, and community leaders.

“The establishment of this council marks a turning point for youth engagement in climate governance,” Gassama stated. “It’s about building a unified and empowered youth movement that can influence the future we all share.”

The YCC plans to enhance inclusivity and accessibility within the national climate movement, ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in shaping environmental policies and decision-making processes. According to Gassama, the council will create a “united” platform for engagement, collaboration, and innovation, recognizing the increasing socioeconomic impacts of climate change on young people.

The council’s vision is to foster unity, collaboration, and collective drive for impactful climate action. Its mission, it said, is to promote grassroots activism across The Gambia by strengthening youth resilience, supporting equitable participation, and ensuring young people’s voices are at the center of local and national climate policy discussions.

The statement added that the council will function under the “guidance” of the Youth Climate Council Global Alliance (YCCGA) and align with global efforts to strengthen youth leadership in climate governance.