GCSAYN JUNE 2025 SYMPOSIUM | Ambassadors for Change as Enablers to Enhancing the Achievement of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
Prepared by: Tasi Keshia – Member, Strategic Planning & Communications Team & Abubakar Basit – Member, Advocacy and Partnership Committee
The Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN), under the visionary leadership of its Executive Director, Mr. Divine Ntiokam, successfully convened the Inaugural Symposium on Monday, June 30, 2025. This event was held virtually via Zoom from 9:00am to 11:00am EST and brought together 70 participants from across Africa and beyond.
Organized through the collaborative efforts of the Strategic Planning, Program and Partnership, and Communications working groups (WGs), the symposium focused on building and strengthening capacity, as well as empowering the 4th Cohort of Interns from approved and pilot Centers of Excellence as key drivers of change in achieving the AU 2063 Agenda ‘The Africa We Want” and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ( 17 SDGs).
This Innovative Symposium drew inspiration from the recent GLOBE–NASA 24 hour 2025 Research and Innovation Marathon Relay, themed “Accelerating Towards Water Security Through Community Research and Innovative Technologies.” That 24-hour global relay allocated two-hour session per continent, promoting continuous engagement and showcasing regional impact in reframing tangible, concrete and sustainable solutions to better water resource management in defining a strategic pathway to improving on SDG 6 ( Clean Water and Sanitation).
Objectives of the Symposium:
To emphasize the role of GCSAYN the 4th Cohort of Interns in localizing and domesticating the SDGs.
To share youth-led solutions in climate-smart agriculture and sustainability.
To strengthen cross-border collaboration and dialogue among young changemakers.
The Symposium opened with remarks from Mr. Divine Ntiokam, who highlighted the critical need for youth leadership and innovation in driving sustainable and climate resilient agriculture. The session was co-chaired by Ms. Dorcas Omowumi, ensuring a well-coordinated and engaging experience throughout. A keynote address by Ms. Gift Unachukwu inspired participants, as she spoke passionately on youth involvement in climate action and food systems transformation, linking these to the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development framework.
Youth-Led Panel Discussion:
Seven vibrant young leaders from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya shared insights on:
Agricultural innovation
Biodiversity conservation
Policy advocacy
They emphasized the urgency of inclusive strategies and collaborative frameworks for effective implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Thematic Presentations:
Several speakers delivered compelling and insightful presentations:
Mr. Abraham Lagat addressed the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in empowering young people.
Ms. Tasi Keshia explored the intersection of mental health and agri-food systems transformation, linking it with the Post-CAADP agenda and Kampala Declaration.
Ms. Oluwatunmise Adedayo presented on the GCSAYN Ambassadorial Model as a transformative approach to achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Ms. Claudia Morgan Asante emphasized the strategic importance of Centers of Excellence in localizing SDG efforts.
Mr. Basit Abubakar introduced the “GCSAYN Flowchart,” about the GCSAYN Complex framework designed to support youth leadership across climate-smart initiatives.
Ms. Oluyemisi Faith highlighted the Youth for Sustainable Energy for All (Y4SE4ALL) initiative and its relevance to climate and energy advocacy.
Ms. Nancy Okafor delivered a timely statement underscoring the relevance of “Equipping the Next Generation of Farmers: The Role of TVETs in Sustainable Agriculture.”
Participation & Outcomes:
Attendees included students, youth ambassadors, development professionals, and civil society representatives. Their active participation and diverse contributions underscored the regional momentum toward achieving sustainable development goals through youth-led action.
Key outcomes of the symposium included:
A renewed call for enhanced youth inclusion in policy spaces
Scaling up of the GCSAYN Internship and Mentorship Program.
Commitment to document and disseminate success stories for learning and partnership development
The event reaffirmed that young people are not just the future — they are leading agents of change today. Their innovations, passion, and determination remain essential to building resilient communities and sustainable food systems across Africa and beyond.
