Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Elizabeth Sackey has announced collaboration between the City of Accra and Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Action Fund to fuel young minds in driving climate solutions.

Kick-started at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at COP28, as a part of the Local Climate Action Summit, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund will provide 100 Mayors and cities with the tools, techniques, and support to leverage innovation approaches that invite and foster robust youth collaboration in climate problem-solving and policymaking

As part of the Youth Climate Action Fund, Mayor Sackey launched an open call for new and ambitious climate efforts led by young people including youth-led climate education programs; youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research; youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, urban farming campaigns; and the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards.

A statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the AMA, Gilbert Nii Ankrah said as part of the program, Accra was preparing to receive $50,000 to distribute as microgrants to fund a groundswell of youth-led climate initiatives.

The statement added that cities that responded to the urgency of the moment and committed the initial $50,000 within six months would receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over one year.

“From mobilizing tree-planting or public education campaigns to launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives to participating in mitigation planning or preparedness programs, efforts stemming from the new Youth Climate Action Fund will advance critical community goals such as meeting decarbonisation commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions” it added.

It disclosed that over the last decade, local governments had played a critical role in climate mitigation and adaptation laying emphasis that in the coming decade, municipalities’ role will grow as they continue to combat ongoing climate challenges

UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and 108th Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg said climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and young people who have the most at stake help must lead the way.

“This new fund will help Mayors mobilize and empower tomorrow’s leaders to take action today.” he pointed out.

Secretary-General for United Cities and Local Governments, Emilia Sáiz indicated that the United Cities and Local Governments were thrilled to join Bloomberg Philanthropies in celebrating cities around the world that were joining the Youth Climate Action Fund and partnering with the organization.

“Youth today are the guardians of our future, and in bringing them together with local governments through this ground-breaking initiative, we will see cities reach newfound progress in shaping more resilient and regenerative communities that can act on the climate emergency in entirely new ways.” She strongly affirmed

Head of Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies James Anderson said For cities to catalyse ever-broadening, ever more ambitious efforts, they needed to continue to shift away from traditional, top-down models to those that solicit ideas and crowd in energy from across the community, including and especially from young people who are so vested in solving the climate crisis,”

“Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund will provide a springboard for mayors worldwide to put these lessons to work and launch a tidal wave of youth-driven activity that takes local climate action to the next level.” he intimated.

Head of the Environment program at Bloomberg Philanthropies Antha Williams urged Mayors to marshal a new era of engagement with local youth harnessing their perspective, talents, and influence to drive progress in their communities.

She is confident that the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund will provide cities with both the technical expertise and funds to mobilize the hope and determination of young people to address the climate crisis head-on and help build resilient, more sustainable cities for generations to come.