Capacity-building workshop aims to prioritise children in climate policies

A pivotal step towards climate justice for children

Kareem Smith
Stakeholders at Grenada climate workshop
UNICEF
12 September 2024

St George's, Grenada - In a significant step towards prioritizing child rights in climate action, the Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, in partnership with UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop. The workshop, held from September 10-11, 2024, aimed to integrate child-sensitive approaches into Grenada's national climate policies, particularly the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

The workshop was a direct response to the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, signed on May 28, 2024. Fifteen public sector stakeholders from various ministries gathered to explore strategies for making Grenada's climate policies more child friendly. The focus was on incorporating human-centered approaches and ensuring that climate finance directly benefits children.

Drawing from UNICEF's research brief, "Child-Sensitive Climate Policies for Every Child," the workshop emphasized the importance of protecting essential social services for children, including water, education, and social protection. Participants also discussed ways to enhance institutional coordination to ensure a more cohesive approach to climate action.

Officials from FAO presented on the relationship between social protection and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), highlighting how integrating social protection into climate policies can strengthen community resilience and contribute to achieving NDC targets.

The workshop is expected to play a pivotal role in positioning Grenada as a regional leader in child-focused climate action. By prioritizing the needs of children in its climate policies, the country is demonstrating its commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future for its young generation.