Applications Now Open for 5th Cohort of Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice

Kampala, Uganda | April 5, 2025 – The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union (AU), officially launched the fifth cohort of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ-V). The announcement was made during a vibrant town hall event in Kampala, Uganda, attended by enthusiastic youth from Makerere University and past alumni of the programme.

Under the theme, “Navigating Complex Geo-Politics: Igniting the Power of African Youth to Push Political Leadership in Africa to the Finishing Line,” the launch reaffirmed NSSCJ’s role as a transformative platform for equipping African youth with the skills and networks needed to advance climate justice on the continent and globally.

Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, emphasized the powerful impact of the initiative, noting that past cohorts have produced dynamic young leaders who are not only shaping local climate solutions but also making waves on global negotiation platforms.

 “We are excited to announce the launch of applications for the fifth edition of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice. Though it bears Nairobi’s name, the School is pan-African and travels across the continent. This year, the programme will be hosted at the University of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, back-to-back with the second edition of the Africa Climate Summit,” said Dr. Mithika.

Representatives from UNECA and the AU echoed the importance of youth-led action in confronting the climate crisis.

Yosef Amha of UNECA reminded participants of their vital role:    “You are the ones dictating Africa’s future. As the youngest population, you must challenge every proposed solution and ensure it serves our ecosystem, economy, and society.”

Dr. Samuel Ogallah of the AU noted that building the capacity of young people in climate knowledge is not only vital but also a key priority of the AU:  “We are actively training youth from across Africa to serve as AU climate negotiators. This generation holds the power to lead the continent toward climate resilience and justice.”

Since its inception in 2021, NSSCJ has trained over 2,000 youth from Africa and beyond, building a continent-wide network of climate justice advocates. The 2025 edition will take place from August 18th to 30th at the University of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

Apply Now: Young people passionate about climate justice and change-making are encouraged to apply by visiting: Call for Applications 2025

The NSSCJ is an initiative by PACJA and partners to awaken, equip, and inspire a new generation of climate leaders. With a focus on intra- and intergenerational equity, NSSCJ fosters bold, just, and inclusive climate action that resonates from local communities to global platforms.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Sylvia Wachira, NSSCJ Coordinator

📧 info@climate-justice.school