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Nana Antwi-Boasiako Amoah urges youth unity at RCOY Africa 2026
•2 min read•1 source
Dr. Nana Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, has called for increased unity among international partners and youth advocates to advance a more resilient climate agenda. Speaking at the Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) Africa 2026 held in Accra, Ghana, Dr. Amoah emphasized the critical need for equity and practical action as the continent prepares for upcoming global climate summits. The conference serves as a strategic platform to align African voices and priorities ahead of the COP31 and COP32 summits.
During his address, Dr. Amoah highlighted that climate change must be treated as a multifaceted challenge rather than an isolated environmental issue. He argued for a holistic approach that integrates climate strategies with food security, energy access, and public health. For the African Group of Negotiators, key priorities remain centered on securing adequate climate finance, facilitating technology transfer, and ensuring a just energy transition that does not disadvantage developing economies or hinder their growth.
A central theme of the conference was the necessity for active participation by young people in formal climate diplomacy. Dr. Amoah urged youth leaders to move beyond general advocacy and engage meaningfully in the technical and political aspects of negotiations. By enhancing their capacity to influence decision-making processes, he noted that the youth can ensure that national policies and international strategies reflect the specific needs and aspirations of the next generation of Africans.
Looking ahead, the recommendations generated at RCOY Africa 2026 are expected to play a vital role in shaping Africa’s collective position at COP31 in Türkiye and COP32 in Ethiopia. Dr. Amoah encouraged participants to develop actionable strategies that can be integrated into national frameworks and global agendas. This push for a unified front aims to strengthen Africa's leverage in international discussions, ensuring the continent’s unique vulnerabilities and contributions are prioritized on the world stage.
