My name is Emmanuel, I'm 16 years old and I'm a UNICEF Climate Ambassador in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My passion is planting trees. As a child with albinism, climate change is not a remote danger for me. I feel its effects in my flesh. So, I realized very early on that I had to act if things were to change.
I've been involved in the fight against climate change for several years now. I began this commitment as a child reporter at the age of 10. Then, in 2021, I was appointed UNICEF Ambassador for Climate and Environment.
It's clear that the climate crisis is a child rights crisis. Children are on the front line of this crisis, as they are the most vulnerable to its effects.
In my fight, I advocate that political authorities at all levels take concrete measures to limit the effects of climate change on children. Last year I took part in the African Climate Summit in Nairobi and the Three Basins Summit in Brazzaville. At these meetings, I made the voice of the younger generation heard loud and clear on climate issues. At COP28, I had the privilege of presenting the World Youth Declaration to Shamma Al Mazrouei, the Youth Climate Champion. This declaration is the result of a long consultation with young people around the world.
Drought, floods, natural disasters, and landslides are just some of the effects of climate change that deprive children of their right to life, education, good food, protection and so much more.
One of the far-reaching measures I advocate to combat climate change is reforestation. We don't need great resources to plant a tree. Just a little willpower and a small plant.
My friend Ketsia and I initiated the "Bopeto na Kelasi" (cleanliness at school) project. The aim of this project is to raise students' awareness about environmental protection and waste management. We have raised awareness among several thousand pupils. We hope it will have an impact in the years to come.
I'm proud to have contributed to raising awareness among young people. This current older generation will pass on and we are the ones who will take over. If we let our planet continue to deteriorate, it will become unbearable.
Things are gradually starting to move. The world is becoming aware that it is no longer possible to continue living as if we had a spare planet. Young people must take advantage of this moment to urge decision-makers to act, and to act fast.
Like Martin Luther King, I too have a dream. I dream of a world where children of all origins can play and walk hand in hand on a green planet, where every one of their rights is guaranteed and where they do not suffer the effects of climate change.
Long live climate commitment!
