The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio, emphasized the pivotal role of education in combating climate change in Africa during her address at the Africa Climate Change Summit on September 4, 2023. This summit, held in Nairobi, Kenya from September 4th to 6th, 2023, featured a panel discussion initiated by Kenya's First Lady, Rachel Ruto, titled "The Big Opportunity: Education and Skills Development for a Climate Change-Adapted and Green Economy."
Mrs. Bio underscored the importance of education in achieving goals, echoing the belief of Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, that any solution for the betterment of one's people should prioritize education. She articulated, "Educating your people on the significance, challenges, and repercussions of climate change equips them with the knowledge to combat it effectively."
She highlighted the role of modern technology in the fight against climate change but stressed that technological solutions could only be harnessed when a population is educated on how to access and utilize them. Mrs. Bio urged African leaders to engage their populations continuously on climate change, acknowledging its substantial impact on African nations.
Emphasizing the collective nature of the fight against climate change, Mrs. Bio stated, "The battle against climate change requires a unified effort involving all, particularly Africans."
As a member of the United Nations Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, First Lady Fatima Bio dispelled the notion that climate change is solely a Western problem, asserting, "It is now our problem as Africans, and we must address it collectively, starting immediately."
She delved extensively into the summit's theme, addressing various aspects, including education, skills development, a green workforce, African-led solutions, and fostering a high-ambition coalition. Mrs. Bio highlighted Africa's advantageous position as a continent with a young, rapidly growing population and abundant natural resources, making it a prime candidate to redefine the skills necessary for a sustainable global transformation.
"We must adapt to and mitigate climate change, establish resilient and sustainable economies, and, crucially, provide opportunities to equip African youth with the education and skills required to drive global transformation," stated First Lady Fatima Bio.
She advocated for the improvement of educational and training facilities to ensure the full potential of African youth is realized, enabling society to address the triple imperatives of climate adaptation, mitigation, and economic transformation.
In her opening remarks, Kenya's First Lady, Rachel Ruto, encouraged the esteemed panellists to explore these topics in depth and collaborate on devising a comprehensive roadmap for tackling climate change in Africa.
The panelists rose to the occasion, engaging in honest, well-researched, and robust discussions, earning resounding applause from the delegates in attendance.