On 23 October 2021, African Climate Alliance in collaboration with Project 90 by 2030,  hosted an open space dialogue, to bring young people between the ages of 14 and 35 to discuss the important question: what does climate justice look like in South Africa ahead of COP26?

A total of 20 participants (excluding facilitators) gathered in the historic Ashley Kriel Hall at Community House in Salt River Cape Town for a day of storytelling, sharing, learning, and community-building. Listening to the youth speak about their lived experiences, what they believe needs to change to create a just future, and what messages they wish the leaders at #cop26 would listen to, it was incredibly energising and inspiring.

Read the full report HERE

Following this came the #Messages2COP26 social media Campaign!

Understanding that many of us in the most affected areas around the world could not attend COP26, we decided the best way to be apart of the conference was to make our voices heard from home and on the ground! We called on people in South Africa to post a photo or video of themselves sharing a message to the leaders at COP26. 

With the campaign lasting a week we saw and heard many #Messages2COP26, calling on the leaders and decision makers to take our livelihood seriously and tackle the climate crisis through an intersectional lens. The campaign was followed by media releases and radio interviews echoing the voices and messages to decision makers in Glasgow for the conference. While there were many messages one clear theme was that we are tired of inaction! The time for change is now.

Click the images to see the campaign on the different platforms