EARTHDAY.ORG and GCSAYN Mobilize African Youth Climate Leaders for Earth Day 2026

Professional development initiative empowered emerging leaders to organize environmental restoration and community development projects in multiple countries as part of the continent-wide mobilization for Earth Day.

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 4, 2026. EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO) and Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) mobilized emerging environmental leaders in Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gambia, and Ghana as part of the official activation for Earth Day in Africa, which took place in 31 countries hosted by partners and allies across EDO's organizing network. The youth leaders worked to organize Earth Day 2026 activities that embodied this year's theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," by empowering communities to take environmental action through locally led projects focused on environmental restoration, sustainability education, and community development. Through the initiative, young organizers designed and implemented projects ranging from cleanups and tree plantings to agricultural trainings and educational workshops while gaining hands-on experience in community organizing and social impact leadership.

The Earth Day activities were conducted as part of GCSAYN's mentorship program, a professional development initiative designed to strengthen participants' organizing, leadership, and project management skills. Through seminars and hands-on training, emerging youth leaders are given practical experience that can support future careers in sustainability and community development. Participants were selected from the 5th cohort of GCSAYN interns who applied the training received through their mentorship program, supplemented by guidance from EDO staff, to organize Earth Day activations which not only served the community and local environment, but also built vital organizing experience as participants enter the next phase of their careers.

"Earth Day is most successful when it inspires action that continues long after April 22. Through our partnership with GCSAYN, young leaders organized projects that not only delivered immediate environmental benefits, but also sparked new conversations, strengthened community connections, and gave emerging changemakers the experience and confidence to keep building momentum for a more sustainable future." - James Banks, Global Director of Advocacy and Partnerships

Across Africa, participating leaders organized locally tailored events that addressed environmental challenges while building community resilience and fostering civic engagement.

In Jos, Nigeria, approximately 160 students gathered at City of Mercy Christian Academy, a GCSAYN Centre of Excellence, for an intergenerational dialogue on municipal waste management and stewardship of green spaces. The roundtable event brought together municipal officials from the Jos Metropolitan Development Board, environmental experts, teachers, and students to explore practical environmental solutions for improving climate resilience and public health outcomes. The program concluded with tree planting activities and support for a local agricultural project.

In Kenya, GCSAYN organizer Abigael Wambui hosted a sustainable agriculture training that equipped community members with practical skills to improve both environmental stewardship and self-sufficiency among participants.

"This activity equipped participants with hands-on skills that supported food security and promoted environmental conservation," said Wambui. "'Our Power, Our Planet' highlighted the importance of individual and collective responsibility in protecting the environment. … [Earth Day] created an opportunity to bring people together, share knowledge, and encourage practical solutions that can lead to long-term positive impact in our communities."

In Nigeria, youth organizer Olasunkanmi Deborah led a cleanup initiative for her university community, demonstrating how local environmental action can improve both ecological and human wellbeing.

"To me, the theme 'Our Power, Our Planet' is a reminder that we already have everything it takes to create the change we want to see. Environmental neglect does not just harm the planet, it affects human lives, our health, and our future," said Deborah. "When we take responsibility for our environment, we are not just cleaning spaces, we are protecting lives. … Earth Day creates a moment that moves people from thinking to acting. It reminds us that consistent actions at the community level can lead to global impact."

The activities demonstrated how locally led environmental action can simultaneously advance ecological restoration, community resilience, and youth leadership development. By empowering emerging organizers to design and implement projects in their own communities, EARTHDAY.ORG and GCSAYN helped cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders across Africa.

About EARTHDAY.ORG
EARTHDAY.ORG's mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day in 1970, EARTHDAY.ORG is the world's largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working to mobilize the public in nearly 192 countries to drive positive action for our planet.

About Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN)

Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global GCSAYN is a dynamic network of youth-serving individuals and partner organizations with a strong interest in Climate Smart Agriculture and sustainable agriculture. Their network encompasses dozens of countries in Africa, Asia, the USA, Latin America, and Europe, empowering young people to advance climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, and community resilience through education, advocacy, and grassroots action.

Media Contact:
Evan Raskin
Campaign Manager
EARTHDAY.ORG
[email protected]
+1 (781) 686 5513