Press Communiqué
For Immediate Release
Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (GCSAYN) Partners with Global Climate Innovation Coalition (GCIC) to Accelerate Climate Action and Innovation
New Partnership Set to Empower Youth in Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Innovation across the Globe
26th December 2024 – New York, USA :– The Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) and the Global Climate Innovation Coalition (GCIC) have officially signed a transformative collaboration agreement aimed at empowering youth, advancing climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and fostering global innovation in climate action. This strategic partnership marks a major step toward scaling climate resilience solutions through sustainable agricultural practices and the integration of innovative technologies in communities around the world.
As part of the collaboration, several prestigious universities in Ethiopia, Madagascar, India, and Rwanda have joined the growing list of GCSAYN Centers of Excellence. This network of academic institutions will play a pivotal role in research, training, and the dissemination of climate-smart agricultural practices and innovations in enhancing the achievement of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development (17 SDGs) within their respective regions and beyond.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
- Empowering Youth in Climate-Smart Agriculture: The partnership aims to engage young people in agricultural transformation by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and networks required to lead climate-smart agricultural initiatives in their communities. Youth will be given a central role in designing solutions to meet the climate challenges facing global food systems.
- Expansion of GCSAYN Centers of Excellence: The partnership will see the inclusion of leading universities in Ethiopia, Madagascar, Georgia, India, and Rwanda as GCSAYN Centers of Excellence. These institutions will collaborate with GCSAYN to foster academic excellence, conduct cutting-edge research, and scale up climate-smart agriculture practices.
- Engaging and Fostering the Establishment of SDG Pavilions: As part of this collaboration, GCSAYN and GCIC will work together to establish SDG Pavilions within the newly approved Centers of Excellence. These pavilions will serve as hubs for knowledge sharing, innovation, and action related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They will provide a platform for academic, governmental, and community stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that contribute to building resilience and advancing progress on the 17 SDGs, including those related to climate action (SDG 13), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and food security (SDG 2).
- Accelerating Climate Innovation: Through the collaboration with GCIC, the partnership will support the development of innovative solutions to combat climate change. The GCIC, an INGO & NPO that collaborates closely with academia, government, business, and civil society organizations worldwide, will work alongside GCSAYN to create pathways for scalable and sustainable innovations in agriculture.
- Enhancing Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: The agreement focuses on creating a robust platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and technology transfer. Universities and youth leaders from across the globe will collaborate on research projects and community initiatives aimed at building climate resilience.
- Inclusion of Emerging Economies: The partnership highlights the importance of including countries from emerging economies in the fight against climate change. Universities in Ethiopia, Madagascar, Georgia, India, and Rwanda, through their participation, will help ensure that the voices of the Global South are represented in the broader dialogue on climate action.
Statements from Leadership:
Mr. Divine Ntiokam, Executive Director of GCSAYN, commented:
“This partnership with GCIC is a crucial step in our mission to equip young people with the tools and knowledge they need to be leaders in the fight against climate change. By strengthening our Centers of Excellence and collaborating with key global stakeholders, we are creating a more sustainable future for agriculture and the communities that rely on it. The establishment of SDG Pavilions will further catalyze cross-sectoral collaboration for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.”
Ms. Iris A. Song, Executive President of the Global Climate Innovation Coalition (GCIC), added:
“We are excited to join forces with GCSAYN to drive innovation in climate-smart agriculture. The inclusion of young minds and leading academic institutions in key regions of the world will accelerate the development of solutions that are not only effective but equitable, addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in the Global South. Together, we will also establish SDG Pavilions that will empower youth and stakeholders to actively contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and Agenda 2030.”
Joining the growing list of GCSAYN Centers of Excellence:
The following universities have joined as GCSAYN Centers of Excellence:
– Ethiopia: Hawassa University Wondo Genet College of Forest & Natural Resources
– Madagascar: Université De l’Itasy (UDI)
– India: Centurion University of Technology and Management
– Rwanda: University of Rwanda
These academic institutions are set to become hubs of research, education, and climate action, advancing the core mission of GCSAYN to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices across the globe.
About GCIC:
The Global Climate Innovation Coalition (GCIC) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization headquartered in New York, dedicated to addressing global climate change. Through education and training, green investment and financing, innovative technologies, and media outreach, the alliance promotes concrete actions for climate adaptation and mitigation, supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. GCIC collaborates closely with climate leaders worldwide, creating cross-sectoral platforms to drive the development and application of climate innovation solutions.
About GCSAYN:
The Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (GCSAYN) is a global network dedicated to engaging and empowering youth in the field of climate-smart agriculture. Through innovation, research, and advocacy, GCSAYN works to promote sustainable agricultural practices that can enhance food security, build resilience to climate change, and contribute to sustainable development across the globe.
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN)
Email: secretariat@csaynglobal.org