08/01/2025

Building skills and confidence for young climate leaders

A group of people sit in a circle in a carpeted conference room with a chandelier overhead. They are holding a web of interconnected strings that stretches across their hands and knees. The atmosphere appears friendly and focused, possibly part of a team-building activity or group workshop. — Workshop participants in Egypt.

In our new series “Youth Empowerment and Action Highlight” – or IKI YEAH for short – we present successful initiatives from IKI projects that empower young people to engage in sustainable transformation. In this edition, we take a look at Sudan and Egypt.

Between July 2022 and June 2025, the project African Regional Climate Help (ARCH), funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), brought together young people in a series of workshops to build skills in research, pilot project management, and policy writing for systemic change. The initiative connected youth activists with mentors and experts. Interactive methods like case studies, interviews, peer reviews, and workshops with Members of the Egyptian Parliament enhanced critical thinking and communication.

Results

The ARCH project significantly strengthened the capacities of young climate leaders in Egypt and Sudan, resulting in 47 national and regional policy papers on key climate issues. Final policy papers were presented to Egyptian policymakers to influence national climate debates. In Sudan, where government engagement was impossible, proposals were shared at international forums like COP 28 & 29. The project also supported 20 youth-led pilot projects, many of which have moved to the upscaling phase.

Lessons Learned

Peer-to-peer learning proved highly effective, with cross-generational and cross-border mentorship (Sudan & Egypt) demystifying policy processes. The long-term structure enabled participants to grow in confidence and develop concrete outputs over time. Particularly impactful activities were the exchanges with Members of Parliament in Egypt and presenting Sudan policy papers in COPs. Both created a tangible sense of political relevance and reinforced youth belief in their capacity to contribute meaningfully to climate governance. The continuous involvement of youth-led nominating organisations ensured sustainability beyond the project timeline.

Replication Potential

The ARCH approach is scalable and adaptable. By working with local partners and adjusting content to local needs, the method can be applied in various contexts. Trainers and experts were recruited through the networks of our local partner organisations and international and regional climate advocate networks. Its phased structure — combining training, mentorship, and application — effectively supports youth-led policy advocacy and links their input to broader climate policy processes.

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