By A Correspondent — As Zimbabwe commemorates National Youth Day, the Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe has called on the nation to recognize the pivotal role of young people in shaping the country’s future.

With the theme “Positioning Youth Empowerment Development Towards Vision 2030”, the celebrations highlight the importance of equipping youth with the tools, opportunities, and platforms to drive sustainable development.

Youth make up the majority of Zimbabwe’s population, and their energy, creativity, and resilience are vital in tackling the pressing challenges of climate change. The Coalition emphasized that climate change is not a distant threat but a lived reality, with floods, droughts, and cyclones already devastating communities. Empowering young people to lead climate action is therefore central to achieving Vision 2030.

“Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today,” said Shelton Sithole, a youth climate activist from Chipinge. “Our generation must be equipped to fight climate change because it is our lives, our futures, and our communities at stake.”

From grassroots initiatives in rural districts to innovative urban projects, Zimbabwean youth are already demonstrating leadership in renewable energy, conservation, and climate‑smart agriculture. Nyasha Mlambo, a young environmental entrepreneur, added: “If Vision 2030 is to succeed, youth empowerment must include climate empowerment. We cannot build prosperity on a planet in crisis.”

The Coalition urged government, civil society, and private sector actors to invest in youth‑led climate programs, strengthen environmental education, and ensure young voices are represented in national policy processes.

“National Youth Day is not only a celebration of the past but a call to action for the future,” the Coalition stated. “By positioning youth at the center of empowerment and development, Zimbabwe can build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable nation.”