Join Africa’s Youth Climate Leaders: Become a Focal Point for the Youth Adaptation Network!

The Youth Adaptation Network (YAN), launched in 2020 through the Global Youth Call to Action on Adaptation, serves as an umbrella platform to engage, empower, and amplify the role of young people in the adaptation agenda. This unique network brings together youth-led organizations and young individuals from around the world who are passionate about climate adaptation, aiming to translate knowledge into action and advocate for accelerated adaptation at the local level through implementing adaptation solutions.

What is the Youth Adaptation Network?

The YAN is a global initiative under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA). It connects young people and youth organizations to build a robust youth adaptation movement, empowering them to lead and drive climate adaptation solutions. The network ensures that youth voices are central to the adaptation agenda, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and best practices.

Membership Structure

There are two distinct levels of membership within the Youth Adaptation Network:

1. In-Country Focal Points in Africa: One youth-led organization per African country is selected to serve as the In-Country Focal Point. These organizations play a pivotal role in coordinating youth adaptation efforts at the national level.
2. General Members: Open to all young people and youth-led organizations globally, this membership allows individuals and groups to participate in the network’s activities, access resources, and contribute to the adaptation movement.

Open Call: African In-Country Focal Point Youth Adaptation Network

In 2025, GCA is amplifying the world’s largest Youth Adaptation Network in Africa by calling on registered youth-led organizations to join as In-Country Focal Points. This is an opportunity for organizations to connect with a continental community, amplify their voice, and accelerate adaptation solutions in Africa.

What are the African In-Country Focal Points?

GCA is seeking youth-led local organizations in Africa committed to youth engagement, climate action, or sustainability to become In-Country Focal Points in their respective countries. These focal points will serve as the primary contact for youth adaptation initiatives within their nations.

Application Requirements to Become an In-Country Focal Point

To be eligible, organizations must:

• Be registered entities.
• Have a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Possess a mandate focused on climate change, adaptation, or youth engagement.

Benefits for In-Country Focal Points

Selected organizations will receive:

• Access to online training on climate adaptation and youth leadership.
• Networking opportunities with youth-led organizations across Africa advancing climate adaptation.
• Peer-to-peer exchanges and knowledge transfers on youth leadership and climate adaptation.
• Opportunities to be featured on the GCA website through spotlight features and blog posts.

Selection Process

The selection process for In-Country Focal Points involves several stages:

1. Open Call for Applications: Youth-led organizations submit their applications by the deadline.
2. Shortlisting: GCA reviews all applications and creates a shortlist based on specific criteria.
3. Video Submission: Shortlisted organizations submit a one-minute video outlining their vision for building the Youth Adaptation Network within their country.
4. Public Voting: The submitted videos are shared on social media platforms, and the public votes to determine the In-Country Focal Point.
5. Onboarding: The organization selected through public voting is officially onboarded as the In-Country Focal Point.

Commitments of In-Country Focal Points

In-Country Focal Points commit to:

• A one-year voluntary commitment.
• Nomination of two Youth Adaptation Network Contact Persons.
• Regular attendance at online meetings of the Youth Adaptation Network.
• Building the Youth Adaptation Network by increasing awareness and helping young people register.
• Conducting a learning needs assessment provided by GCA.
• Leading Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day by organizing a Youth Consultation on October 12th.
• Engaging with the Youth Academy by encouraging young people to use GCA’s Toolkit on Climate Adaptation and Leadership.
• Sharing knowledge by contributing local expertise and opportunities to the network through blog posts or the quarterly newsletter.

Selection Criteria

Organizations will be evaluated based on:

• Experience in climate action and adaptation.
• Experience mobilizing and engaging youth.
• Strong local presence and reach.
• Ability to nominate YAN Contact Persons.
• Organizational capacity for network building and access to the internet.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse membership, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, persons with limited formal education, single parents, and individuals of all genders.

For further information and how to apply please, visit here.

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.