MEDIA CAFÉ: When Young U-Reporters Speak Up for the Climate
In Maroua, young U-Reporters and media professionals join forces to amplify youth voices, share bold climate solutions, and spark a movement for a greener, fairer Cameroon
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On December 1, 2025, the African Child Center in Maroua hosted the Media Café organized by UNICEF Cameroon. This unique event brought together journalists, more than 40 U-Reporters from the North and South regions, as well as partners from the Multifunctional Youth Center (CMJ) of the Far North, for a dialogue on the climate emergency and the role of young people in combating its effects.
The goal of this meeting was to create a space for exchange between U-Reporters and media professionals, to showcase their initiatives in the North in response to the climate crisis, and to highlight the upcoming immersive North-Center meeting designed to strengthen solidarity and leadership among Cameroon’s young U-Reporters.
"This Media Café revealed a powerful reality: young U-Reporters are not mere observers, but committed actors in the fight against climate change. Their creativity and resilience are impressive. They carry out concrete actions, reforestation campaigns, community awareness, advocacy for local solutions—despite limited resources," exclaimed one invited journalist.
The meeting also served as a preview of the North-Center initiative, which aims to create a national network of young climate leaders. The focus is on networking, sharing experiences, and strengthening young people’s leadership skills.
"This immersive meeting is much more than an exchange: it will be an opportunity for Cameroon’s U-Reporters to connect, strengthen their leadership, and build a solid network around climate action. Together, we want to turn our ideas into concrete actions for a greener and fairer Cameroon," emphasized Léa Biloa, coordinator of the U-Report by UNICEF community in Yaoundé.
The open discussion with the media highlighted the importance of engaged and human-centered coverage of young people’s local initiatives. As a reminder, U-Report by UNICEF is a citizen participation tool that enables young people to express themselves, mobilize, and take action for essential causes, with more than 32 communities spread across the national territory.
