Published by Ecolum: April 2025
At ECOLUM, we believe that climate action must be people-centered, equitable, and inclusive of the most vulnerable. This conviction was strongly reaffirmed during the Banjul Consultation on The Gambiaโs Climate Landscape Analysis for Children, where our team had the privilege to contribute alongside diverse stakeholders.
This consultation marked a pivotal step toward aligning national climate policies with the needs of children our youngest citizens, and the generation most at risk from climate change.
Childrenโs unique vulnerabilities and voices must be embedded across Climate, Energy, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED) frameworks. Climate governance cannot be complete without recognizing the distinct risks faced by children.
Investing in youth-driven climate initiatives, such as clean energy access and green entrepreneurship, can transform communities while safeguarding the future of children and young people.
A child-centered climate approach must also be disability-inclusive and gender-responsive, ensuring that no one is left behind in building climate-resilient societies. The consultation brought together a rich mix of policymakers, grassroots leaders, civil society actors, and children themselves, reinforcing the power of collaborative governance and intergenerational dialogue.
We extend special appreciation to our partners at CLEAN EARTH GAMBIA, under the distinguished leadership of Fatou Jeng, for facilitating such an impactful and forward-looking dialogue. Big thanks to Unicef Gambia for funding this important project.
ECOLUM reaffirms its commitment to advancing child-centered climate policy as part of our broader advocacy for climate justice, land restoration, and community-led adaptation. Children must not only be beneficiaries but also active participants in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.
The time to act is NOW for the children of The Gambia and for generations to come.