By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Nov 2, GNA – Madam Darling Maame Efua Cann, the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), says Government should prioritise youth involvement in policymaking for sustainable development.
She said involving youth in policymaking fostered civic engagement and encouraged them to be active participants, thereby promoting a more sustainable future.
Madam Efua Cann was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview regarding the celebration of the World Cities Day 2024, on the theme, “Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities.”
This year’s Global Observance highlighted youth advocacy for immediate, substantial climate resilience efforts, and the call for local governments to prioritise sustainable development.
Madam Efua Cann said the World Cities Day 2024 was a timely reminder of the collective responsibility to build climate-resilient cities.
The Deputy PRO said the UN-Habitat emphasised that it was 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.
She said contributing over 80 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), cities served as economic engines, with higher GDP per capita often correlated with urbanisation.
She added that however, cities worldwide faced climate hazards that undermined these economic gains, particularly impacting urban populations in informal settlements.
Madam Efua Cann said in Africa alone, climate disasters had adversely affected 2.6 million people, making it essential to implement sustainable urban policies.
She said UN-Habitat’s approach prioritised support for youth, training them to lead efforts in sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and enterprise development to drive climate resilience within cities.
Madam Efua Cann said in Ghana, the MLGDRD had implemented strategic projects aimed at climate resilience, sustainable growth, and community development.
“These include key initiatives like the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme, the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion 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,” she added.
She said the youth empowerment and engagement were integral to these projects, such that through targeted training, capacity building, and support initiatives, the Ministry would ensure that young people were equipped to lead sustainable and resilient communities.
The Deputy PRO said many young entrepreneurs had pioneered eco-friendly technologies, waste reduction initiatives, and green businesses within their localities, showcasing a youth-led movement toward a sustainable future.
She said with a firm focus on empowerment and infrastructure, these programmes set the foundation for a future where cities remained hubs of economic prosperity and were 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,” she stressed.
GNA