EcoSuSNET’s participation in the “Empowering Youth Civil Society to Build Stronger Communities in Nigeria” Project has significantly impacted communities in Nasarawa State. This initiative, led by NGYouthSDGs with funding from the Federal Republic of Germany in Nigeria, equipped EcoSuSNET with the skills and resources to engage youth in climate policy processes and strengthen local resilience to environmental challenges.
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge and Inclusion
Through the project, EcoSuSNET has played a pivotal role in enhancing climate knowledge among youth in Nasarawa State. By organising awareness sessions and fostering meaningful engagement in discussions on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the organisation empowered young people to actively contribute to climate policy processes.
This increased awareness encouraged youth to advocate for greater inclusion of marginalised groups, including women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), in climate adaptation strategies. By broadening local perspectives on policy engagement, EcoSuSNET successfully strengthened community voices in demanding inclusive climate policies.
Building Stakeholder Engagement Capacity
EcoSuSNET’s participation in the project significantly enhanced its stakeholder engagement capacity. The organisation gained practical experience in stakeholder mapping, identification, and management; skills that proved crucial in building effective partnerships with government agencies, CSOs, and community leaders. This strengthened collaboration has expanded EcoSuSNET’s influence in climate advocacy spaces, allowing the organisation to facilitate greater dialogue and policy inclusion.
Building Organisational Strength
The project has further contributed to EcoSuSNET’s mission of promoting sustainable development and climate resilience. Equipped with enhanced technical knowledge and tools, EcoSuSNET successfully co-created a Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) that ensures youth, women, and PWDs have a voice in climate adaptation planning. This achievement has solidified EcoSuSNET’s role as a key player in advancing inclusive climate policies in Nasarawa State and beyond.
Conclusion
EcoSuSNET’s role in the Empowering Youth Civil Society Project demonstrates the impact of youth-led climate action. Their efforts have boosted youth engagement, promoted inclusion, and empowered communities to build climate resilience.
