UNIMA Hosts Workshop on Disabled Youth Involvement in Climate Action

On 17th and 18th April 2026, the University of Malawi hosted a two-day event organised by the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Clinic, the Disability Rights Clinic and Child Rights Clinic, in partnership with Empower Young Mind under the project Championing Active Participation of Youth and Children with Disabilities in Climate Action Activities.

The event was organized to strengthen partnerships around inclusive climate action and promote meaningful youth participation. It attracted teachers, caregivers, representatives from civil society organisations, public officials, and youth leaders in Malawi, all with the shared goal of deepening the understanding of climate change, disaster risk management, child rights, and disability inclusion.

Discussions highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on children and youth with disabilities, as well as the barriers they face in accessing climate information and essential services. Participants emphasised the urgent need for inclusive policies, backed by effective implementation.

Among the presenters, Mr. Isaac Mkandawire, Director of Planning and Development at Zomba District Council, stressed that youth with disabilities should be recognised not as passive beneficiaries, but as leaders and active decision-makers in climate action.

The event also featured mentorship and dialogue sessions involving youth with disabilities from the University of Malawi and nearby primary schools, alongside student leaders and representatives from the legal clinics. These engagements created a platform for sharing lived experiences, fostering leadership development, and strengthening advocacy strategies. Participants reflected on key challenges, including inaccessible emergency communication systems, lack of reasonable accommodation, and exclusion from decision-making spaces, while also identifying practical solutions through legal reform, policy advocacy, and community-driven initiatives.

The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment to continued collaboration, including inclusive environmental initiatives such as tree-planting activities. Participants reaffirmed that climate justice can only be achieved when no one is left behind.