Pan African Climate Justice Alliance Launches Sixth Summer School
The sixth cohort of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice targets about 500 young people across Africa and beyond.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Youth
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The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance has launched the sixth cohort of its Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, which covers climate negotiations, climate finance, and climate justice. The launch took place during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye.
Why it matters
Young people make up nearly 60 per cent of Africa's population but hold less than five per cent of positions where climate decisions are made. The program aims to build the skills and networks young people need to take part in those decisions.
Across five previous cohorts, more than 2,500 young people from 144 countries were trained, and about three-quarters of alumni identified inadequate funding as the biggest obstacle to implementing their ideas. The sixth cohort targets about 500 participants.
The players
Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)
PACJA is a coalition of African civil society organizations working on climate justice and advocacy across the continent.
The details
Cohort VI will run from June 20 to July 3, 2027, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, delivered in English, French and Portuguese using a hybrid format. Selected alumni will join the PACJA delegation at COP32, and the summer school will be held every two years under the new arrangement after the organization skipped the 2026 cohort to review and reposition the program.
Timeline
2020: The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance established the summer school.
2026: The organization skipped the cohort to review the program.
June 20 to July 3, 2027: Cohort VI takes place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Five months before COP32: Cohort VI occurs ahead of Addis Ababa hosting the conference.
Season Trajectory
The program's link to the UN Climate Change Conference series positions young African climate advocates to take seats in the negotiating process that shapes global climate policy. Its move to a biennial format and COP32 delegation role marks a shift toward sustained pipeline-building rather than one-off trainings.
Young people interested in climate negotiation and advocacy can track the application process for COP32 delegation roles tied to the Cohort VI alumni selection. The program will be offered in English, French and Portuguese, which may influence eligibility for applicants across the continent.
The takeaway
Investing in young climate leaders now is a practical way to influence negotiations that will shape the continent's future. Funding and mentorship remain the main gaps for alumni putting their ideas into action.
What happens next
Cohort VI runs from June 20 to July 3, 2027, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and selected alumni will join the PACJA delegation at COP32.
Further reading
Explore more on Youth programs shaping young people's futures.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EnviroNews - latest environment news, climate change, renewable energy.
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