By Ify Onyekwere
In a recent discussion hosted by The Development Report, Boluwatife Adekanye, Communications Officer for the YALI Network Abuja, shed light on the critical role of communication in fostering just transition towards sustainability in Africa. With a focus on climate action, economic equity, and social justice, Adekanye emphasized the need for holistic strategies to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges.
Breaking Down the Just Transition
Adekanye described a “just transition” as a comprehensive framework that transforms economies and societies to balance environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic equity. This approach, he noted, is not limited to the energy sector but extends to climate action, social sustainability goals, and environmental justice. “It’s about creating systems that work for everyone, not just a select few,” he remarked.
At the heart of Adekanye’s message was the importance of effective communication in driving change. “How we tell our stories and frame our challenges is pivotal,” he stated. Africa’s narrative, often shaped by outsiders, must now reflect its realities and solutions, shared authentically by Africans themselves.
Raising Awareness Across Sectors
According to Adekanye, effective communication must go beyond just transition issues to address interconnected challenges such as education, poverty, hunger, and health. She stressed the need to engage communities: “We’ve reached a point where many people are disconnected from governance, feeling it doesn’t directly impact their daily lives. This apathy allows governments to act without citizen input.”
Adekanye gave an instance by highlighting YALI Network’s impactful efforts in tackling climate change. One notable initiative he said is the “One Million Tree Campaign,” which mobilized YALI’s 10,000 members worldwide to plant trees. “Each member was tasked with planting one tree, reinforcing individual responsibility in combating climate change,” he explained.
The network also launched a 30-day social media campaign to promote tree planting, using creative content to instil environmental consciousness. “With 60–70% of Nigerians being youth and active smartphone users, leveraging social media becomes a powerful tool to spread awareness and drive action,” Adekanye noted.
Collaboration Over Isolation
A key takeaway from Adekanye’s insights was the call for collaboration among NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). “It’s high time we stopped working in silos. Partnerships amplify impact,” he urged, adding that YALI welcomes collaboration with like-minded organizations.
Adekanye emphasized that addressing just transition should not be seen as a “Western agenda.” He stated, “The Western world’s contribution to these issues is just 4%, yet their impacts disproportionately affect us in Africa. It’s time we take ownership of these conversations and solutions.”
YALI Network Abuja’s efforts are a testament to the power of grassroots action and the role of communication in shaping a sustainable future.
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