Children Lead the Call for Climate Action at African Climate Summit

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – September 8, 2025

As the African Climate Summit kicks off in Addis Ababa, World Vision reaffirms its commitment to supporting and amplifying the leadership and participation of children at the highest levels, ensuring their voices and perspectives on climate justice and resilience are not only heard but actively shape the dialogue and the resolutions from the Africa Climate Summit 2.

At least six children from the World Vision East Africa operational areas travelled to Addis Ababa to represent their communities and share their hopes, concerns, and solutions for a sustainable future.  On Sunday afternoon, they participated in a powerful session where they shared their reflections and engaged with other young climate advocates. Their participation reflects World Vision’s commitment to ensuring children are not only heard but are central to climate action dialogues. Read the children's declaration here

This engagement aligns with World Vision’s broader Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action (ESCA) strategy, which focuses on:

• Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and restoration of ecosystems and ecosystem services
• Building sustainable agri-food systems and promoting nutritional security
• Strengthening community resilience to climate change

Speaking at the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2), Timothy Ranja, Climate Advisor at World Vision, emphasised the urgent need for inclusive and justice-driven climate solutions across the continent.

"Children are the most vulnerable to the impact of climate. This summit provides an opportunity for children to influence and shape the future development of the climate space to ensure its inclusive and transformative for the future well-being of children."

World Vision continues to advocate for climate resilience strategies that prioritise children and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Amplifying Children’s Voices

“Samuel Smith, 16 years child delegate and also the President of the Kenya Children’s assembly” said I am happy to represent over 23 Million children in Kenya. I have a lot of expectations, one I look forward to meeting other children and working together to explore more practical solutions to fight climate change by learning from them on what other countries are doing. This summit gives us a chance to speak up not just for ourselves, but for all children.”

"Floods cause huge disruptions in schools, damaging classrooms, learning materials, and forcing many students to miss school or even drop out. To tackle this, the government should build proper drainage systems, plant more trees, and ensure flood-resistant infrastructure so that our education is not interrupted." Jamila ,11

Global Impact in 2024
World Vision’s ESCA programmes have reached millions across the globe:

• Over 10 million people, including 4 million children, participated in ESCA-related initiatives
• 1.2 million hectares of land were placed under protection and restoration
• 2,000 partner organisations collaborated to scale up FMNR
• 4,800 disaster risk management committees were formed

East Africa Region in FY24
In East Africa, World Vision has made significant strides:

• 4.4 million trees planted, contributing to reforestation and ecosystem restoration
• 483,000 hectares of land protected or undergoing restoration
• 470,000 individuals adopting Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) practices
• 269,000 households implementing climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural techniques, including agroforestry, agroecology, and natural resource management
• 2,000 disaster risk management committees established to strengthen community preparedness
• 146 solar-powered water supply systems installed, enhancing access to clean water through renewable energy
• 118,057 households adopting clean and efficient energy technologies, reducing reliance on harmful fuels

We invite media partners, stakeholders, and the public to join us in amplifying these voices and supporting meaningful youth engagement in climate action.

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

• Joy Kivata, Regional Communications & Public Engagement Manager: joyce_kivata@wvi.org     Phone +254723608642

• Timothy Ranja , Regional Environment and Climate Action Senior Advisor timothy_ranja@wvi.org 

• Pradeep Daniel Communications & Marketing Director Ethiopia   pradeep_daniel@wvi.org 

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