By Sarah Kirikumwino | LYI – Laudato Si Clubs President. The Vatican Africa Climate Summit marked a pivotal moment in Africa’s climate journey—uniting generations to address one of humanity’s most urgent challenges: climate resilience. Hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, this summit brought together elders, youth leaders, scientists, and faith communities to build a deeper culture of care for our common home.
Bridging Generations Through Dialogue
This intergenerational dialogue served as a powerful bridge between youth and elders, reflecting the belief that climate resilience is not only an environmental issue but a deeply human project. Together, participants addressed the shared responsibility of nurturing the Earth and protecting vulnerable communities—especially climate-induced migrants, children, and marginalized groups.
Key Topics Covered about young people: Climate Migration, Justice & Children’s Rights
One major focus was climate-related migration. As climate change displaces families, there is an urgent need for host communities to offer compassion and belonging. The summit emphasized protecting children’s rights within climate action frameworks, recognizing the long-term implications for the next generation.
Faith Leadership and Moral Responsibility – We call it Intergral Ecology in Laudato Youth Initiative
Pope Francis’ leadership continues to be a beacon of hope in the climate initiative. Through the lens of Laudato Si’, the Church offers not only spiritual guidance but a moral framework for climate action. As a matter of affirmation to the work we do in the Laudato Youth Initiative to Mentor Laudato Si Clubs – Our points of attention
“The summit called on Catholic institutions—schools, parishes, dioceses—to integrate ecological education and advocacy into their daily mission.”
This is a dream come true Bethany Land institute on the other hand is Forming Leaders in Integral Ecology for Rural Transformation in Uganda. With all this African Youth are being empowered to walk the path towards intergrating ecological conversion.
Research, Resilience & the Role of Youth
As a matter of fact as the President of Laudato Si Clubs in Schools that are truly striving to enhance their Invilvement in ecological research and innovations. I spoke to the importance of research highlighting the example of our fourth coming Laudato Si Green Festival that is purely planned to embrace intergaral ecology and enhance young people’s involvement in ecological research. I also highlighted the importance of research and transitional science to drive innovation in climate action. Young people must be included in climate decision-making at all levels, with policies that reflect African realities. I believe our inclanation to the African Interpretation of Laudato Si is bearing much fruit.
The summit also addressed mental health, recognizing the strain climate anxiety places on young people. Supporting youth through mentorship and community networks is essential for nurturing resilient climate leadership. This is another affirmation that we recorgnise the challenged related to mental health in grassroot communities and families and foster dilaogue that empowers young people to see help. Immaculate our mental health writer has published several articles to this effect;
The Interrelationship Between the Environmental and Mental Health
Prioritizing Mental Health: A Call to Action for Uganda’s Education System Amidst a Crisis
Driving Mental Health Reforms Across Uganda and Africa at Large
Break the Barriers, talk about Mental Health to Support Healthier, and Happier Lives among the Youth
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
With 70% of Africa’s livelihoods linked to agriculture, the summit called for urgent action to transform food systems. Key recommendations included:
• Promoting sustainable agriculture
• Reducing food loss and waste
• Encouraging crop diversification
• Advancing circular food systems
These changes are essential for tackling food insecurity and building climate-resilient livelihoods.
Science, Technology, and Indigenous Knowledge
Innovation must be informed by both technology and tradition. The summit urged the integration of climate science, indigenous knowledge, and community-driven practices. Elders were called upon to support the intergenerational transfer of wisdom to cultivate equity and close gaps in climate education and leadership.
We need to be ready and prepared to reduce the risk of Climate Change: Say no to deforestration, manage waste our communities needs to be educated to become resileint to challenges like floods, Carbon emissions, talking about climate change and Unite to care for others and take action that preserves the eco system. Reflecting on all these, the Vatican Africa Climate Summit affirmed that solidarity is not optional. Climate justice demands collaboration across faith, science, and society. As Pilgrims of Green Hope, the Laudato Youth are localizing climate action through education, advocacy, and faith-based mobilization.
The outcomes of this summit have been foreseen to contribute to global processes like COP30, COP31, and the 2026 Vatican Summit ensuring that African voices shape global climate policy.
“Let us uphold the dignity of every human person, for climate action is not just about saving the planet—it’s about protecting people.”
