Dr Abiola Bashorun, Coordinator, Climate-Smart Sustainability Programme (Nigeria & USA), has urged young people to develop the right mindset to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation and sustainable economic growth.
Bashorun made the call as the world commemorates International Youth Day 2026 under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” which highlights the shared aspirations of young people despite differences in their social, economic and environmental circumstances.
She said young people across the world are increasingly confronted by major environmental and economic challenges, including climate change, flooding, pollution, land degradation, poor waste management, food insecurity, water challenges and biodiversity loss.
According to her, while these challenges threaten livelihoods, communities and economic development, they also present significant opportunities for young people to develop innovative solutions and create sustainable livelihoods.
Bashorun stressed that opportunity alone would not be enough without the right mindset, noting that young people must be prepared to recognise challenges, develop solutions and create value.
She said sustainable development required more than government or institutional support, adding that personal responsibility, discipline, innovation, integrity, productivity and a willingness to create value were equally important.
The coordinator urged young people to view environmental challenges differently, pointing out that waste could become a resource, environmental restoration could create livelihoods, agriculture could evolve into technology-driven enterprise, while climate challenges could inspire new businesses, skills and innovations.
Bashorun also called on governments, development institutions, financial institutions and the private sector to strengthen youth empowerment through relevant skills development, mentorship, access to finance, technology, entrepreneurship opportunities and platforms for innovation.
She identified climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, recycling and resource recovery, environmental restoration, sustainable waste management, afforestation and water management as areas capable of generating green jobs, supporting enterprise development and promoting inclusive economic growth.
She further stressed that young people should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development programmes, but as innovators, entrepreneurs, environmental stewards, employers and active partners in nation-building.
Bashorun said the issue was particularly important for Africa, given the continent’s rapidly growing youth population, which she described as one of its greatest potential economic assets.
“With the right mindset, relevant skills and an enabling environment, African youth can transform environmental challenges into sustainable businesses, employment opportunities, stronger communities and inclusive economic growth,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to ensure that International Youth Day 2026 goes beyond celebration and becomes a call to action to prepare and empower a generation capable of actively shaping its future.
“Different contexts. Different realities. Common aspirations. The right mindset. One planet. One sustainable future,” Bashorun said.
