300 Children, Youth Engage Head of State on Climate Change, COP27

Malawi’s Head of State Dr. Lazarous Chakwera, on Thursday, October 2022 officially opened a three-day National Children’s Summit on Climate Justice, from 20 to 22 October, 2022.

The summit has brought together 300 children and youth to deliberate climate change impacts and input into Malawi’s Position Paper for Conference of Parties (COP27).

 Save the Children in partnership with National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC), Initiative for Climate Action and Development (ICAD)organized the summit.

 From a parade to a pavilion tour alongside speeches and performances, children shared the devastating impacts of climate change on their rights and their future.

 “As children, we desire to be heard and have our ideas implemented at the highest policy making level.

 “Thankfully, a pertinent step has been taken towards giving us children the opportunity to speak out on climate change related matters in as far as they affect us.

 “This National Children’s Summit has afforded us the opportunity of a lifetime” Said Josephine, 15, President of the Children’s Parliament.

 This is the first ever summit held in Malawi for children on climate change.

 According to national statistics, almost half of Malawi’s population is below the age of 15 and 73% below the age of 35 years. Although Malawi as held summits for youth on climate change, this is the first time that children have been accorded an opportunity to have their own summit presided by the highest office in the land.

 The Summit ends on Saturday October 22.