In celebration of International Youth Day (IYD), HEDA Resource Centre hosted an enlightening X-space session, spotlighting youth-led campaigns for social and environmental justice under the theme “From Clicks to Action.” The session brought together leading voices in climate justice, human rights, and youth advocacy.
Dr. Azeezat Yishawu, Speaker of the Nigeria Youth Parliament, emphasized the youth’s critical role in policy-making and the power of digital platforms in promoting environmental awareness and accountability. She noted the challenges of misinformation, accessibility, and data privacy in digital advocacy, calling for strategic solutions to enhance the impact of online campaigns.
Climate Justice activist Olumide Idowu underscored the necessity of addressing climate change across sectors, highlighting digital platforms’ role in combating plastic pollution, advancing climate justice, and promoting renewable energy solutions like solar power. He also discussed the importance of innovative policies, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to drive sustainable climate action and the potential of transforming waste into wealth.
Human Rights advocate Barrister Inibehe Effiong passionately addressed the balance between citizens’ rights to protest and the government’s duty to protect public safety. He criticized the Nigerian government’s human rights record, advocating for peaceful protests as a vital tool for civic engagement and accountability.
Journalist AbdulKareem Mojeed of Premium Times shed light on how digital innovation is reshaping climate change narratives in Africa. He stressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa and the need for better journalism to inform policy, raise public awareness, and amplify marginalized voices. Mojeed called for bridging the digital divide to ensure climate resilience initiatives reach vulnerable communities.
The session underscored the power of youth-driven digital campaigns in addressing climate change and human rights issues, urging stakeholders to leverage digital platforms for meaningful, lasting change.