BY: DANIEL ASARE
Member of the Climate Communicators Network, Dorcas Mawuena, has expressed her optimism over the inauguration of the Young Climate Innovators Program (YCLIP) a bold and transformative initiative that seeks to equip young minds with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration needed to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change.
According to her, the aforesaid movement recognizes the power of young people as drivers of change, as problem-solvers, and as the architects of a sustainable issue. She also asserted that Climate change is not limited only to scientific issue but also an economic, social justice and most importantly a leadership challenge.
Speaking on the aforementioned issue, the Chief Director for the Ministry of Transport, Mrs. Mabel Sagoe believes this innovative initiative, represents the hope and determination needed to confront climate issues through youth engagements. He opined that the transport sector is undergoing a monumental shift occasioned by recent advancements in innovative technologies.
Thus, it is crucial that we, as stakeholders, strive to improve the industry to meet changing needs and be competitive. However, the Minister for Transport said The National Electric Vehicle Policy 2023 and the National Energy Transition Investment Plan 2022-2060 contains government commitment to decarbonize the transport and energy sectors.
The Shit towards electric vehicles represents a significant step in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, combating climate change, and improving air quality in our cities. He further said the Ministry pledges its full support and seeks stronger collaboration between academia and industry, particularly with the Center for Climate and Sustainable Empowerment in order to remain committed to this noble cause and join the global movement to safeguard the future of our planet.
His statement was delivered by the Director for Human Resource at the Ministry of Transport, Nathaniel Amunoo Wilson who represented the Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe at the ceremony.
The Young Climate Innovators Program (YCLIP) is a flagship initiative by the Center for Climate Change and Sustainability Empowerment (CCSE) in partnership with the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) and the University of Ghana (Physics Department) with support from the United Nation Institute for training and Research (UNITAR), HBCU Green Fund, Omega Center for Sustainable living (OCSL), The Browne Foundation and Knustford University aimed at equipping young innovators in tertiary institution with the Knowledge, skills, mentorship, and resources need to develop sustainable climate solutions for marginalized and vulnerable communities in Ghana.
As part of the program’s implementation, 30 innovators from the University of Ghana will be paired with 30 innovators from Tsinghua University in China. This cross-cultural collaboration fosters knowledge exchange, joint program-solving, and co-development of impactful climate innovators. By working together, the paired innovators will leverage global best practices, mentorship from leading experts, and technical guidance from industry professionals to design solutions that are scientifically sound, scalable, and aligned with both national and international sustainability strategies.