The Tanzania Youth Green Summit 2025 was a landmark event held at the University of Dar es Salaam, organized by the Vice President’s Office (VPO) in collaboration with the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) and the African Carbon Agency. The summit was officiated by the Prime Minister as Guest of Honor, who officially launched the National Waste Management Strategy (2025-2030), which marks a decisive commitment to sustainable environmental governance in Tanzania.
Dr. Sixbert Mwanga, CAN Tanzania Executive Director, delivered a keynote presentation titled “The Role of Youth in Addressing Climate Change.” He underscored the vital contributions that young people can offer in the battle against the escalating climate crisis. In his address, Dr. Sixbert reflected on the generational shift in climate awareness, recalling a time when “climate change was not a household term during his youth,” even as communities maintained an intricate and essential relationship with the natural world around them. He contrasted those earlier days with the pressing and alarming climate challenges we face today, drawing upon critical findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the realities of rapidly rising global temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Dr. Sixbert illustrated the urgent connection between the escalating impacts of climate change and pivotal national challenges, arguing that it has driven up the cost of living and exacerbated the national debt crisis. He outlined a vision for Tanzania, where the immediate priorities include not only job creation and dynamic economic growth but also the enhancement of national income, the promotion of social equity, and the strategic building of resilience against future shocks. At the heart of this vision lies the ultimate goal of eradicating poverty. He emphasized that these ambitious development objectives cannot be realized in isolation; they must be brought together with bold climate action, innovative spirit, and leadership of our youth, who hold the key to a sustainable future.
Highlighting ten sectors already being affected by climate change, such as Water, Energy, Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, Tourism, Transportation, Forestry, Human settlements, and Waste management, Dr. Sixbert emphasized that each of these sectors also presents new opportunities for youth engagement. “Every challenge is an opportunity,” he said, encouraging young people to explore opportunities in green jobs, carbon credit trading, sustainable transportation, and emerging climate-smart industries.
Dr. Sixbert urged the youth to expand their perspectives and embrace innovative ideas. However, he underscored that mere enthusiasm for climate issues isn’t sufficient. “What young individuals truly require at this moment is not just passion, but a steadfast commitment to the cause, essential skills to navigate climate challenges, networking opportunities, and the boldness to take impactful action.”
In his closing remarks, Dr. Sixbert expressed his appreciation for the Vice President’s Office, for the thoughtful choice of the University of Dar es Salaam as the summit's venue. Higher Learning Institutions stand as a beacon of learning and innovation, embodying the potential to serve as dynamic engines of creativity.
The summit underscored the crucial role that youth play in pioneering impactful climate solutions, fostering a spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking that is essential for tackling the environmental challenges of our time.