By: Rererile Kamohi, Dr Johannes Bhanye, Aaron John and Mohamed Sylla

Imagine this: A crowd of over 1000 spectators roars, clapping and cheering wildly as you walk onstage to accept an award for all the sweat and tears you have put into trying to make a positive impact in your community! And the best part? £1 000 000 is all yours to breathe life into what was once just a thought…just an idea!

That was the highlight of a memorable week - the Earthshot Prize Week, hosted in Cape Town, South Africa back in 2024. The Earthshot Prize – an environmental award and initiative founded by Prince William in 2020 – recognized and rewarded the bold individuals who stand on the front lines of the herculean global climate challenge. By shining a light on practical solutions and bold ideas, the initiative acknowledges the unique complexities of climate resilience and empowers those tackling issues in energy, nature, air, oceans, and waste!

Now, during a conversation, someone sarcastically commented, “There’s always something specifically youth-oriented. Did Santa forget you (us youth) this time around?”

Well, for the first time in Earthshot Prize History – in collaboration with Common Purpose – the merit of young climate leaders and activists from Africa and Asia was recognized through the Earthshot Prize Youth Programme! Over 120 young change agents between the ages of 18 and 35, were selected to celebrate, collaborate and contribute to advancing global climate action! Scholars, professionals and community leaders networked and partnered together to advance and scale their innovative and impactful climate solutions, and not only climate solutions but Sustainable-Development-Goals-focused projects with potential to change our world as we know it for the better!

Santa did not forget us after all!

The Earthshot Prize Youth Programme was aimed at building the capacity of young activists, students and emerging leaders from Africa and Asia to help build their ability to mitigate and enhance global resilience to climate change. The programme dedicated itself to empowering and inspiring climate-conscious youth by providing the tools and opportunities they need to take meaningful climate and environmental action, from advocacy to policy change and implementation of sustainable practices.

The programme aimed to build a global network of informed and engaged young leaders prepared to drive sustainability in their communities and beyond. Whilst encouraging youth optimism, behavioral change and development as well as connecting youth to Earthshot Prize and Common Purpose Partners and Networks, it is also of importance to note the participant diversity in culture and professional /academic backgrounds which encouraged storytelling from different perspectives as lived through the lens of selected youth and the communities from which they come.

One would say, we hear all these objectives and goals of the youth programme but how were they achieved, that is if they were even achieved!

Well, through collaborative effort from partners and sponsors such as DP World, Common Purpose Charitable Trust, Deloitte, National Geographic and even some of the Earthshot Prize Finalists, to mention but a few, the programme delivered impeccable climate education through panel discussions on restoring and protecting our planet, workshops/ masterclass on innovation, awareness raising and advocacy through storytelling as well as ways in which to scale up solutions through policy and transformation.

Youth got to introspect themselves through critical thinking and they were given the space to analyze and understand the current view of sustainability as well as the future of sustainable development so that they can make informed decisions in climate mitigation and adaptation. For many in this space, there’s a misconception that focusing on adaptation—preparing for the impacts of climate change—means sidestepping the root causes. But adaptation is essential, particularly for the most vulnerable communities who bear the brunt of climate disasters, poverty cycles, loss, and displacement. As seen at Earthshot Prize Week, youth are focused on lessening the weight of these burdens.

Through the programme, youth gained valuable skills and knowledge on climate change through discussions, networking sessions and even excursions to businesses and organizations that are implementing or advancing ‘Green Thinking’ in their values. For instance, at Deloitte, the organisation has implemented green/ sustainable building within the foundations and pillars of their current offices by reusing plastic-filled plastic bottles as part of their building structure in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste in their community!

Who would have thought!

Perfecting one’s craft is also essential in ensuring that they give the best deliverables in taking their climate action – a skill that Earthshot Prize 2024 Finalists seem to have mastered as seen on the celebratory night of 6th November 2024. With Prince William, the Earthshot Prize Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, as well as critically acclaimed local and international celebrities leading the award giving ceremony, it was inevitable that youth would be inspired to one day be standing on that stage, presenting their solutions to the world in line with the 5 Earthshot Prize themes.

The programme offered mentorship and career building opportunities to learn from seasoned environmental leaders and professionals who provided guidance and shared lessons from their own experiences, inspiring the next wave of environmental leaders. Innovators such as GAYO from Ghana, working on cleaning our air, and Keep It Cool in Kenya, addressing food waste, exemplify the transformative power of “climate creativity.” It was truly amazing to learn of the various creative and innovative solutions that not only youth but leaders from all over the world, have come up with to protect our environment and drive for environmental sustainability. This shows the power of collaboration – the strides and leaps and bounds we can make through collaborative efforts and teamwork!

The journey to achieving climate justice might seem daunting at first but a spark of hope has been ignited for and by the youth. Youth are the future, and their voices are vital to addressing the climate crisis. Supporting young leaders today ensures they are equipped to create the sustainable world we need tomorrow.

It has truly been an honor being Earthshot Prize Youth Programme Graduates. The programme has taught youth valuable lessons, signifying and highlighting how the small steps can make the biggest impact.

Indeed, together, we can!