A call to action was issued on 25th September, 2026 to researchers from Ardhi University (ARU), the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), and their research stakeholders at the Nextgen Climate Conference held in Dar es Salaam, emphasizing the need to incorporate youth viewpoints into climate change decision-making frameworks.
Issued at the Nextgen Climate Conference, the statement united key stakeholders—including youth, researchers, policymakers and innovators. The conference provided an open platform to turn youth-led research and green innovations into actionable solutions for Tanzania's environmental challenges.
Opening the conference, the Director of Environment in the Vice President’s Office, Ms. Kemilembe Mutasa, emphasized the vital role of youth and innovation in tackling climate change challenges like floods, droughts, and waste management
"The third pillar of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 focuses on environmental conservation and building resilience to the impacts of climate change. These guidelines should not remain static government documents; they need young visionaries to bring them to life. Young people have a vital role to play in bridging the gap between research and real-world action by transforming knowledge, innovation, and ideas into practical solutions that address environmental and climate-related challenges," said Ms. Mutasa.
Speaking at the conference, Prof. Makarius Mdemu, Ardhi University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Consultancy (DVC-ARC), emphasized that universities have a responsibility to generate evidence, create spaces for dialogue, and nurture innovation for the younger generation.
Prof. Mdemu underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities, young researchers, innovators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
“As universities, this conference reminds us that we have a responsibility not simply to study the future, but to help society prepare for it. Research must not end in celebration—it must translate into actionable policy, usable tools, and impactful partnerships that empower young innovators to solve real societal challenges," added Professor Mdemu.
The NextGen Climate Conference was held under the Y-Engage Project, a collaborative partnership between Ardhi University, the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Copenhagen, and Youth Lab. This initiative brought together global expertise and diverse experiences to strengthen youth engagement and leadership in climate action.
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