Catholic Youth to lead Africa’s green future at landmark Laudato Si’ Assembly in Accra

As climate challenges intensify across Africa, young Catholic environmental advocates, as well as others of various faiths, will converge in Accra from May 30 to June 1, 2025, for the Third Laudato Si’ Youth Assembly, positioning youth leadership and interfaith collaboration at the forefront of the continent’s ecological response.

Organised by the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA), the assembly will mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and the Paris Agreement—two pivotal calls to action in the global fight against environmental degradation.

With the theme “A Decade of Laudato Si’: Journeying Together in Hope for Our Common Home,” the gathering will unite youth leaders from across Africa in a program of reflection, dialogue, and public engagement, including a high-profile anti-Galamsey march through Accra.

Participants will explore the intersection of climate justice and youth empowerment through See-Judge-Act sessions, panel discussions on the global climate movement, and the drafting of a Youth of Faith position paper, a unified statement of commitment from young leaders across religious backgrounds.

Notably, Ghana was selected as the host country due to its growing reputation for youth-led environmental advocacy. “Over the years, Ghanaian youth have taken the lead in clean-up exercises, anti-Galamsey campaigns, and sustainability efforts,” said Francisca Dommetieru Ziniel, West Africa Coordinator for CYNESA.

The event is also part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, amplifying the role of youth in restoring harmony between humanity and the Earth. Organisers hope the assembly will energize long-term grassroots efforts and strengthen partnerships among faith-based, civic, and policy groups working for climate resilience.

The Accra assembly follows successful past editions held in Arusha, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya, and underscores CYNESA’s mission to nurture a new generation of African leaders committed to safeguarding the planet.

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