Betty Osei Bonsu Adjei urges creative involvement in climate policy design

Betty Osei Bonsu Adjei, the Director of Operations and Programmes at the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), has called for a fundamental shift in how climate interventions are designed across the continent. Speaking at the Climate x Culture Summit 2026, she argued that artists and cultural practitioners must be integrated into the policy-making process from the very beginning. According to Adjei, the current industry standard often relegates creatives to the role of "last-minute amplifiers" who are only brought in to promote decisions that have already been finalized by policymakers and scientists.

The director emphasized that the unique perspectives of the creative community are essential for crafting effective and relatable climate solutions. She pointed out that artists possess a deep understanding of their audiences and excel at storytelling, which can be leveraged to make complex environmental issues more accessible. By involving these practitioners in the early design stages of an intervention, Adjei believes that climate initiatives can become more culturally resonant and better suited to the specific needs of the communities they aim to serve.

The summit, held under the theme "Designing Sustainable Creative Experiences for Africa," served as a platform for experts and activists to explore the intersection of culture and environmental action. Participants discussed how leveraging Africa's rich cultural heritage and creative talent can enhance the continent's climate resilience and outreach efforts. Adjei’s contribution highlighted a growing movement to move beyond technical jargon toward a more inclusive approach that recognizes the power of culture in driving social change.

Moving forward, the call for early collaboration suggests a need for institutional changes within government and non-governmental organizations. Instead of viewing the arts merely as a secondary tool for communication, the GAYO director advocates for seeing them as a core component of policy innovation. This proposed shift aims to ensure that Africa's climate interventions are not only scientifically sound but also socially integrated and widely supported across various sectors of society.