Two days of debates, workshops and mentoring reinforce the role of Cape Verdean youth in building resilient and sustainable communities, with support from the Climate Action Program.
Inês Mourão
Nuno Ribeiro
Loriana Monteiro
Cape Verde has a mostly young resident population, with over 30% of Cape Verde’s population between the ages of 18 and 35. This is the young force that can drive innovation, creativity and action to address climate challenges. This energy was evident at the National Youth Forum, held in the city of Praia on November 20 and 21, 2025, with the participation of about 300 young people from all inhabited islands in the country.
Organized by the Institute of Sport and Youth (IDJ), this year the event integrated climate issues, with technical and institutional support from the Climate Action Program, promoting knowledge, dialogue and practical solutions for adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
The Youth Forum is a strategic space for dialogue and active participation, in which young people from different islands come together to discuss challenges and propose innovative solutions for sustainable development. These events are organized annually, with two regional editions, one in Barlavento and one in Sotavento, where young people are prepared to be selected for their participation in the National Forum.
The main objectives of the Forums are:
- Strengthen the voice of youth in public policies;
- Promote environmental education;
- Encourage youth leadership;
- Create collaborative networks to address climate change.
Organized by the Institute of Sport and Youth (IDJ) with support from the United Nations Joint Office, these events are strategic spaces for dialogue and active participation. By integrating practical workshops, mentoring sessions and thematic debates, the forums contribute to empowering young people as agents of change, aligning their actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Role of the Climate Action Programme in the National Youth Forum 2025
PRESENT CHALLENGES AND BUILDING THE FUTURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Photo credits:
Climate Action Programme
The Climate Action Programme has been working with IDJ with the aim of supporting the integration of climate action and increasing literacy using sport and youth as a factor of change. Within the scope of this collaboration, the Programme played a key role in the design and promotion of the activities of this year’s Forum. The Program team: Supported the definition of the technical agenda, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 – Climate Action; Facilitated strategy sessions, including presentations and hands-on workshops; Mentored young people, guiding them in the development of innovative proposals for resilient communities.
This support reinforces the Programme’s commitment to empowering young Cape Verdeans as agents of transformation, promoting concrete solutions to address the impacts of climate change.
Highlights of the Climate Action Program’s participation in the Forum
First day – Panels and Reflections
In Panel 2, the theme “Youth and Climate: How to make a difference NOW” brought a reflection on the active role of young people in building resilient and sustainable communities. The session highlighted the urgency of climate action and the importance of civic participation to accelerate change.
Second day – Workshops and Mentoring
The workshop “Climate in 60”: The voice of youth” challenged participants to create audiovisual content on crucial topics such as climate action, oceans, biodiversity, water, migration and forests. Scripts and technical guidance were provided to turn ideas into impactful messages.
In addition, the young people received specialized mentoring, with direct support from the Climate Action Program, to develop concrete proposals within the scope of the Parliamentary session for Bench 2, Youth for the Climate: how to be part of Change? , including innovative solutions such as:
- Green communities with fruit trees;
- Efficient irrigation systems; and
- Capture of water from fog.
Photo credits: Inês Mourão, Climate Action Programme
Impact and Significance
The Forum has consolidated itself as a space for civic participation, technical training and social innovation, reinforcing the role of youth in the achievement of SDG 13 – Climate Action. By strengthening the climate literacy of the participants, the event contributed to young people better understanding the challenges and opportunities of climate action.
“It was very positive to see climate action highlighted at the National Youth Forum. I enjoyed hearing and understanding more about the topic, especially because of the dynamic, clear and engaging way in which it was presented. The participation of young people and the format of the discussion showed how urgent and relevant this issue is for our generation.”
Elvis Alves Andrade, President of the Youth Parliament
The creation of collaboration networks and innovative projects demonstrates that young Cape Verdeans are true engines of transformation, capable of contributing to the advancement of the national goals defined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The involvement of the Climate Action Programme ensures that these initiatives do not end at the Forum, but evolve into concrete projects, with technical monitoring and integration into national adaptation and mitigation strategies, which will materialise at the Youth and Climate Action Academy that will take place in Mindelo, São Vicente, from 1 to 3 December.
Together, we can accelerate solutions for a more sustainable future.
The motto Explore, Learn, Lead supports youth in their effort to address climate challenges and build resilient communities.
The future is NOW.