Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time: 10:35 – 11:35 (SAST)
Venue: Birchwood Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa
Organiser: UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), in collaboration with the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF).
About the Event
Climate change is transforming development in Southern Africa, posing risks to food security, livelihoods, energy systems, and economic growth. However, the shift to greener, more resilient economies offers significant opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and quality jobs, especially for youth.
During the 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), will host a panel discussion on "Unlocking Opportunities for Southern African Youth from Green Transitions." This session aligns with the Forum's broader theme: “Nourishing Futures: Enhancing Food Security and Water Resilience through Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action for Youth Empowerment.”
The discussion will examine how governments, development partners, the private sector, academia, and youth can collaborate to leverage green transitions for sustainable development, climate resilience, and job creation in Southern Africa.
Why Attend?
Participants will:
- Gain insights into the transition towards inclusive green economies in Southern Africa.
- Explore new opportunities for youth in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, the circular economy, green manufacturing, and climate-smart entrepreneurship.
- Learn from successful youth innovators and entrepreneurs who are driving green solutions across Africa.
- Engage with policymakers, regional institutions, development partners, and business leaders on practical steps to advance youth participation in green transitions.
Key Discussion Questions
The panel will examine:
- How can Southern African countries build inclusive green economies that create opportunities for young people?
- What barriers and opportunities exist for youth participation in green transitions?
- What successful practices from other regions can be adapted for Southern Africa?
- How can young people contribute to regional climate action and sustainable development?
Expected Outcomes
The session aims to:
- Strengthen understanding of inclusive green economy principles.
- Raise awareness of green jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth.
- Promote knowledge sharing on regional initiatives that support youth employment.
- Develop actionable policy recommendations for governments, the private sector, and development partners.
Who Should Attend?
- Young entrepreneurs and innovators
- Youth-led organizations
- Government officials
- Development partners
- Private sector representatives
- Academia and researchers
- Civil society organizations
- Climate and sustainability practitioners
- Regional and international organizations
Join the Conversation
Join the dialogue to help shape a greener, more resilient, and inclusive future for youth in Southern Africa.
Contacts
Ms Bineswaree Bolaky,
Economic Affairs Officer,
ECA SRO/SA.
Email: bineswaree.bolaky@un.org
Mr. Mischek Gondo,
Regional Coordinator,
Southern Africa Youth Forum.
Email: regionalcoordinator@sayof.org.
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