World off track on climate change agreement - Masisi

Masisi pointed out that across the continent young people are advocates for the climate, stewards of the environment, and a critical workforce in urban sectors that hold the key to greater sustainability, such as transport and waste management.

“Let us join forces with these young people and amplify their voices and innovations, not plan over their heads,” he said. Masisi said there is a need to build centres of excellence in the continent, where research and development for agriculture and urban planning happen, to incentivise young people with technical and academic skills to remain in Africa.

He said if need be, the continent should start with the sub- regional organisations. Masisi told the conference that this also requires making progress in facilitating the mobility of talent in the continent, in line with our collective ambitions for political and economic integration.