IOM Youth Capacity Building Programme on Climate Mobility for African Youth: An Opportunity for Cape Verde
Climate change represents a global challenge, but its impacts are particularly felt in Africa, especially in countries like Cape Verde, which are vulnerable to rising sea levels, prolonged droughts and extreme weather events. Recognising the urgent need to address this issue, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched the Youth Capacity Building Programme on Climate Mobility for young Africans. This programme offers a unique opportunity for young Cape Verdeans to become leaders in responding to the challenges of climate mobility.
What is the Programme and Why is it Important?
The IOM Youth Capacity Building Programme on Climate Mobility is an initiative designed to empower young Africans with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to understand and address the complex challenges of climate mobility. The programme aims to:
- Raising awareness about the link between climate change and migration.
- Developing young people's capacity to analyse and respond to the impacts of climate mobility on their communities.
- Promoting innovative and sustainable solutions to mitigate the risks and maximise the opportunities associated with climate mobility.
- Create a network of young leaders who can advocate for policies and practices that address climate mobility effectively.
For Cape Verde, this programme is particularly relevant. Dependence on rain-fed agriculture, water scarcity and coastal vulnerability make the country highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Migration, both internal and external, is a reality for many Cape Verdeans, and climate change could further exacerbate this phenomenon. Empowering young Cape Verdeans to understand and address climate mobility is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for the country.
How does the programme benefit young Cape Verdeans?
Participation in the IOM's Youth Capacity Building Programme offers a number of benefits for young Cape Verdeans:
- Skills Development: Participants acquire knowledge and skills in areas such as climate data analysis, disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and effective communication.
- Networking opportunities: The programme provides a platform for young Cape Verdeans to interact with other young leaders from across Africa, as well as with experts and policy-makers.
- Access to Resources: Participants have access to resources and tools that can help them develop and implement projects and initiatives related to climate mobility in their communities.
- Empowerment: The programme empowers young Cape Verdeans to become agents of change in their communities and to advocate for policies and practices that address climate mobility effectively.
Examples of Initiatives and Potential Impact
Young people participating in the programme can develop and implement a variety of initiatives, such as:
- Awareness-raising campaigns: Informing communities about the impacts of climate change and the importance of adaptation.
- Adaptation projects: Implementing practical solutions to help communities deal with the impacts of climate change, such as building rainwater harvesting systems or promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Advocacy initiatives: Advocate for policies and practices that address climate mobility effectively, such as creating contingency plans for climate-induced displacement or investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
A concrete example could be the development of an early warning system for extreme weather events, using climate data and communication technologies to inform communities about imminent risks and enable them to take preventative measures. Another example could be the creation of a training programme for young farmers on sustainable agricultural practices that reduce their vulnerability to droughts and other climate changes.
Relevant Case Studies
Although the programme is relatively new, there are case studies of other initiatives by the IOM and other organisations that demonstrate the potential impact of involving young people in responding to climate mobility. For example, in some coastal communities in West Africa, young people have been trained to monitor coastal erosion and implement coastal protection measures, helping to protect their communities from the impacts of rising sea levels.
Conclusion: A Resilient Future for Cape Verde
The IOM Youth Capacity Building Programme on Climate Mobility represents a crucial opportunity for young Cape Verdeans to become leaders in responding to the challenges of climate change. By acquiring knowledge, skills and tools, young Cape Verdeans can play a key role in building a more resilient and sustainable future for their country. Participation in this programme not only benefits individuals, but also contributes to the development of a society that is more informed, engaged and prepared to face the challenges of climate mobility.
Cape Verde, with its unique vulnerability to climate change, urgently needs young, empowered leaders who can drive change. This programme offers the perfect platform for young Cape Verdeans to become those leaders and contribute to a safer and more prosperous future for their country.
Apply now!
For more information and to apply for the programme, visit: https://www.iom.int/pt
Application deadline: 15 June 2025.
