By Sarah – President, Laudato Si Clubs | Laudato Youth Initiative

June 30th marked a moment of great honor and inspiration as I joined fellow youth leaders, scientists, policymakers, and community voices at the CIFOR-ICRAF campus for the Vatican African Climate Resilient Summit. Hosted at the World Agroforestry Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, this gathering brought together diverse leaders around a shared vision: moving beyond mitigation to embrace climate resilience rooted in science, solidarity, and local leadership.

As President of the Laudato Si Clubs and a voice for the Laudato Youth Initiative, day one of the summit felt like a collective call to action. I had the opportunity to listen to and engage with remarkable leaders, including His Eminence, Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, Chancellor, PASS/PASS, Éliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer, CIFOR-ICRAF, Hon. H.E. Wilber Ottichilo, Governor, Vihiga County, and Chair Environment, Forestry and Climate change committee Jacqueline Kado, Executive Director, NASAC, and Prof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Director of the Legal Division at the United Nations Environment Programme. Each speaker emphasized not only the urgency of climate action but also the power of youth, innovation, and policy to shape a sustainable future.

In the words of Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF, “Resilience is peacebuilding.” This deeply resonates with our 2025 Laudato Si Festival theme: “Sowing Seeds of Peace and Hope for Creation.” Resilience is not just about recovery it’s about renewal. It is what enables grassroots farmers to rebound after drought, what makes cities greener and more adaptable after crises. It is, ultimately, a pillar of true climate action.

I was especially moved by Prof. Kameri-Mbote’s reflections on how law and norms shape our response to the climate crisis. Her message underscored that the future of resilience is African, innovative, and informed. These ideas echo the Vatican’s call for ecological citizenship and intergenerational solidarity, as emphasized by Cardinal Turkson, who reminded us that

“we received the earth in its beauty we cannot pass it on as a desert to those who come after us.”

During roundtable discussions, I had the chance to share our work at Laudato Youth Initiative where we champion eco-innovations, biodiversity, agroecology, and climate-smart agriculture, particularly among youth in Uganda. The summit affirmed what we already believe: that young people are ready and eager to lead. From bioenergy and youth-led food systems to microclimate solutions, we’re seeing bold ideas matched with grounded science.

Importantly, the summit didn’t just create space for dialogue it mobilized us. Under the theme “From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience at Local and Regional Levels,” we saw youth voices being strengthened and amplified. The message was clear: solidarity is not optional, and resilience must be rooted in inclusive, scientific, and spiritual action.

I was inpired to see that our commitment of inpiring young people into eco innovations at the Laudato Youth Initiative, were emphasised values during the conference and path to strengened committement to integral ecology a vision that honors science, tradition, and spirituality. As we sow seeds of peace and hope, we must prioritize resilience not as a reaction to crisis, but as a proactive way of life.

Looking forward to continuing these vital conversations tomorrow. Together, we are the hope that can  unite for climate action and build a sustainable future.