Frontline for Climate Action Contributes to Youth and Climate-Focused Dialogue at UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens Hub Workshop
- frontlineclimateac
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, the Lancaster Hotel in Accra hosted the UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens Hub Stakeholder Workshop, a pivotal event aimed at shaping citizen-driven urban transformation. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from civil society, government, private sector, and communities to explore strategies for building inclusive, climate-resilient urban spaces in Accra.
Frontline for Climate Action (FCA) participated in the workshop through its Communication Officer, Peter Martin, whose engagement reflected FCA’s commitment to empowering young people and advancing sustainable urban development in Ghana.
Empowering Citizens Through Collaboration
The primary goal of the workshop was to define the strategic direction of the Accra Cityzens Hub, a civic platform focused on amplifying the role of everyday citizens—especially youth—in influencing urban policies and initiatives. Stakeholders discussed how to enhance collaboration, address urban challenges, and integrate climate resilience into planning processes.
Peter Martin shared FCA’s experience in grassroots climate education and youth-led initiatives, emphasizing that any urban development effort must include strong environmental consciousness and the active participation of young people.
Key Themes and Outcomes
Youth as Change Agents
One of the most prominent outcomes of the workshop was the recognition of young people as crucial actors in urban transformation. Ideas proposed included:
Youth-led waste management and recycling initiatives
Creation of community gardens and green public spaces
Renewable energy projects and climate entrepreneurship training
FCA advocated for the integration of climate education into school curricula, highlighting the need to build environmental awareness from an early age.
Building Climate-Resilient Cities
The workshop addressed the growing impacts of climate change in Accra—particularly urban flooding, extreme heat, and air pollution. Peter Martin emphasized the importance of:
Nature-based solutions, such as tree planting and green corridors
Climate-smart infrastructure, supported through public-private partnerships
Strengthening urban drainage systems and greening efforts
Collaborative Urban Governance
Participants, including representatives from government agencies and private institutions, stressed the need for coordinated action and inclusive governance. FCA contributed to discussions on:
Creating a collaborative framework involving NGOs, the private sector, and local authorities
Building policy alignment that supports community-led urban sustainability projects
FCA’s Key Recommendations
Green Urban Zones: Develop green spaces and urban forests to enhance resilience.
Youth-Led Climate Action: Establish programs that build youth capacity in urban agriculture, recycling, and climate tech.
Community Awareness: Organize campaigns to educate residents on climate adaptation and eco-friendly habits.
Policy Advocacy: Push for policies that embed climate action in urban development planning.
Conclusion
The UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens Hub Stakeholder Workshop provided a vital space for multi-sector dialogue and co-creation of urban solutions. FCA’s contribution through Peter Martin reinforced the importance of youth empowerment and climate resilience as pillars of Accra’s urban future.
As Accra moves toward becoming a more inclusive and sustainable city, Frontline for Climate Action remains committed to championing community-led climate action and fostering the leadership of young people in urban development.
#ActNow The city’s future is in our hands.
Peter Martin
Communication Officer
Frontline for Climate Action
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