Africa is one of the regions most affected by climate change, despite contributing only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Rising temperatures, food insecurity, and pressure on natural resources are already reshaping livelihoods across the continent. At the same time, Africa is the youngest continent in the world (over 60% of its population is under 25). This demographic reality is an extraordinary opportunity: young people have the potential to become key actors in building climate resilience and driving sustainable, community-led innovation.

Yet a significant gap remains between what young people could contribute and the influence they actually have. Despite their numbers and growing environmental awareness, many young people still lack access to climate education, funding, decision-making spaces, and supportive networks. Youth organizations — the structures best placed to mobilise and empower them — often lack the capacity and resources to turn youth engagement into concrete action. This is especially true in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, where climate vulnerability, youth unemployment, and limited spaces for civic participation add further barriers.

As a result, young people are too often treated as beneficiaries of climate policy rather than active contributors to climate solutions. YCAN was designed to change that — by strengthening youth organizations through non-formal education, mobility, and cross-border cooperation, so they can turn young people from passive stakeholders into active drivers of climate awareness and community action.