UNICEF and ONACC sign Memorandum of Understanding to support children and Youth in the face of climate Change

According to UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index, Cameroon ranks among the ten countries in the world where children are most exposed to climate and environmental risks, shocks, and stresses. Droughts, floods, and forced displacements in affected regions increase the risks of malnutrition, waterborne diseases, violence, and abuse among women and children.

"UNICEF considers the climate crisis as a major threat to children's rights. Children are particularly affected by the impacts of climate change, which exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and compromise their future," said Nadine Perrault, UNICEF Representative in Cameroon.

"Collaboration with UNICEF is essential to integrate the specific needs of children and youth into our climate change adaptation strategies. Together, we can develop innovative and sustainable solutions to protect future generations," stated Prof. Joseph Armathé Amougou, Director General of ONACC.

The agreement signed between the two parties commits them to collaborate in several key areas. ONACC commits to analyzing children's vulnerability to climate shocks, producing specific climatological services to strengthen the resilience of children and youth, and establishing a child-sensitive early warning system. ONACC will also provide data and advice to develop a practical adaptation guide for young people and vulnerable individuals and strengthen the capacities of local communities in utilizing climatological services.

UNICEF, for its part, commits to providing human, material, technical, and financial support for field studies identified under the agreement. UNICEF will strengthen ONACC's capacity in child-sensitive research, support ONACC in climate adaptation plans, and collaborate with ONACC to design projects related to early warning systems involving youth as key actors in their communities facing climate change.

"This agreement allows us to enhance our ability to anticipate and respond to climate challenges while actively involving youth in finding solutions. Their engagement is crucial for building a resilient and sustainable future," explained Prof. Joseph Armathé Amougou.

"This convention marks a crucial step in our commitment to protect the children and youth of Cameroon from the devastating effects of climate change. By working together, we can strengthen community resilience and empower young people to become agents of change in their own environments," said Ms. Perrault.

Young people are increasingly engaged in climate awareness and advocacy actions through the design of green technologies, the development of more sustainable practices, and the reduction of carbon emissions. The creative force of these young people is a major asset in the fight against climate change, and supporting them in their advocacy is a priority of the collaboration between UNICEF and ONACC.

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child; in everything we do. We work in 190 countries and territories around the world with our partners to turn this commitment into practical action, with a special focus on reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized children, for the benefit of all children, everywhere. And we never give up.

About the National Observatory on Climate Change (ONACC)

The National Observatory on Climate Change (ONACC) is a Cameroonian public and administrative institution created in 2009 to monitor and assess the impacts of climate change. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Finance, ONACC proposes prevention, mitigation, and adaptation measures to the adverse effects of climate change. It raises local community awareness of climate risks, provides specific climatological services, and establishes early warning systems. ONACC collaborates with national and international organizations to promote concrete actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening community resilience.