On December 10, 2025, leaders, educators, and practitioners from across eastern and southern Africa convened for a timely virtual dialogue under the theme “Voices for the Future: Empowering adolescents and youth through climate education and action.” The event brought together diverse perspectives on how young people can be equipped to respond to the growing climate challenges facing the region.

Organized through a collaboration of global and regional partners—including the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and Hands of Mercy International—the session focused not only on ideas, but on practical pathways to support youth.

Speakers highlighted that climate change is no longer a distant threat. Across Africa, it is already disrupting education, livelihoods, and community stability. Adolescents, particularly in vulnerable communities, are among the most affected—facing school interruptions, displacement, and limited access to resources needed to adapt and respond.

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that education is one of the most powerful tools in building resilience. By integrating climate education into learning systems and supporting youth-led initiatives, communities can better prepare the next generation to navigate and address environmental challenges.

In a significant step toward translating dialogue into action, Hands of Mercy International announced a commitment of USD 90,000 to support school fees for vulnerable adolescents across affected regions. This contribution aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent young people—especially those impacted by climate-related disruptions—from continuing their education.

The commitment was framed as part of a broader effort to link climate resilience with access to education. By keeping adolescents in school, the initiative not only supports individual futures but also strengthens communities’ long-term capacity to respond to climate challenges.

Participants welcomed the announcement as a practical example of how partnerships can move beyond discussion to deliver tangible support. The event concluded with a shared recognition: empowering youth requires both knowledge and opportunity—and sustained collaboration to ensure that neither is out of reach.