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World Cities Day 2024: Youth at the helm of climate action and local resilience in Ghana

• The Writer

• The Writer

ON October 31, 2024, as cities globally com­memorate World Cities Day, the theme “Youth leading climate and local action for cities” underscores the critical role young people play in mitigating the pressing climate crisis.

This year’s global observance, held in Alexandria, Egypt, and organised by UN-Habitat, high­lights youth advocacy for immedi­ate, substantial climate resilience efforts, and the call for local gov­ernments to prioritise sustainable development.

Cities, while driving economic progress, are also on the front­line of climate threats that could jeopardise these gains. UN-Habitat emphasizes that it is essential for governments to empower youth with education, skills training, and enterprise opportunities, particu­larly in informal settlements, as a crucial path to urban resilience and reduced vulnerability.

Contributing over 80 per cent of the world’s GDP, cities serve as economic engines, with higher GDP per capita often correlated with urbanisation. However, cities worldwide face climate hazards that undermine these economic gains, particularly impacting urban populations in informal settle­ments.

In Africa alone, climate disasters have adversely affected 2.6 million people, making it essential to im­plement sustainable urban policies. UN-Habitat’s approach prioritises support for youth, training them to lead efforts in sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and enterprise development to drive climate resilience within cities.

Ghana’s commitment to cli­mate-resilient cities

In Ghana, the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development has imple­mented strategic projects aimed at climate resilience, sustainable growth, and community develop­ment.

Key initiatives like the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Pro­gramme, the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, the Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme, the Green Project, and the Ghana Produc­tive Safety Net Project (GPSNP) embody Ghana’s commitment to building resilient and sustainable cities. These projects not only address Ghana’s specific urban challenges but also serve as models for community-centered, innova­tive approaches that empower local populations.

Ghana secondary cities sup­port programme

This programme bolsters growth in secondary cities by enhancing urban management, infrastructure, and service delivery. Improved road networks, waste management systems, and revitalised marketplac­es have all contributed to economic activity and job creation. These upgrades enable secondary cities to serve their communities effectively, becoming hubs of resilience and regional growth.

Gulf of Guinea Northern Re­gions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project

SOCO aims to strengthen social cohesion and reduce fragility in northern Ghana, while addressing climate vulnerabilities within com­munities often overlooked in urban development plans. By supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving local governance, the project promotes communi­ty adaptation to environmental changes. A good number of youth have received vocational training, empowering them to lead sustain­able practices in agriculture and small-scale enterprise, which aids in stabilising these regions against future climate shocks.

Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, this pro­gramme advances smart, sus­tainable, and inclusive growth in urban areas. Utilising technology and data analytics, it enhances service delivery, reduces waste, and promotes eco-friendly urban management. The programme has achieved considerable reductions in energy consumption, optimising public resources and promoting efficiency, illustrating how digital innovation is integral to building climate resilience.

Green Project

The Green Project focuses on reforestation, urban farming, and sustainable infrastructure, address­ing environmental degradation head-on. Through tree planting, creating urban green spaces, and promoting sustainable agricul­ture, the project fosters healthier, more climate-resilient urban areas, contributing to Ghana’s long-term climate adaptation goals.

Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP)

GPSNP addresses urban and ru­ral vulnerabilities by creating public employment opportunities that fo­cus on environmental conservation and income-generating activities. This project has improved the livelihoods of youth and women, while promoting environmentally sustainable practices that support both immediate economic needs and long-term resilience.

Youth as the pillars of climate action

Youth empowerment and engagement are integral to these projects. Through targeted train­ing, capacity building, and support initiatives, Ghana’s Ministry of Local Government ensures that young people are equipped to lead sustainable, resilient communities. Many young entrepreneurs have pioneered eco-friendly technol­ogies, waste reduction initiatives, and green businesses within their localities, showcasing a youth-led movement toward a sustainable future.

Building resilient cities for tomorrow

World Cities Day 2024 is a timely reminder of the collective responsibility to build climate-re­silient cities. For governments, this means prioritising youth involve­ment in policy-making, urban plan­ning, and sustainable development. Ghana’s initiatives, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Govern­ment, provide inspiring examples of youth-led resilience strategies and sustainable infrastructure investments. With a firm focus on empowerment and infrastructure, these programmes set the foun­dation for a future where cities re­main hubs of economic prosperity and are well-prepared for climate shocks.

As urban areas worldwide continue to experience the impacts of climate change, World Cities Day underscores the need to create sustainable urban spaces through collaboration, innovation, and youth investment. By supporting the youth of today, Ghana and other nations can build the climate champions of tomorrow, equipped to lead the charge in building a resilient, sustainable future for all.

The Writer is a Public Rela­tions Officer with the Ministry of Local Government, Decen­tralisation and Rural Develop­ment (MLGDRD) and a staff of the Information Services Department (ISD)

 BY DARLING MAAME EFUA CANN

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