Remarks by UNRCO Head of Office, Shabnam Mallick | Watch Party for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Address

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Esteemed Partners and Colleagues,

Most importantly, dear Young Leaders,

Good evening!

Karibuni! Welcome!

It is my honour to welcome you to this special occasion, as we gather to witness the Secretary-General of the United Nations deliver a powerful and urgent message on climate action.

A quick quiz to get us started:

Which African country gets over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year—enough to power the whole region with solar energy?

That’s right—Tanzania! We are literally sitting in one of the greatest renewable energy assets on the planet.

But here’s the paradox: many homes still struggle with electricity, and the young people like you still lack access to clean energy jobs. So what’s missing? Not potential. Not sun. What’s missing is action. Investment. Inclusion.

Let’s face it:

Climate change isn’t something “out there.” It’s right here—affecting rains, farms, food, floods, jobs.

Did you know that Mount Kilimanjaro— the tallest mountain in Africa—which, incidentally I had the great privilege of climbing recently—is losing its glaciers fast? Scientists say they could disappear entirely in our lifetime. Imagine that… no ice cap on Kili! That’s not just a loss of beauty—it’s a warning! 

We didn’t cause this crisis… you the young people, certainly didn’t! But we all will live with its consequences. Unless… we lead the solutions.

Here’s the exciting part: We are not powerless. Africa is the youngest continent in the world. 60% of Africa’s population is under 25. That’s not a statistic—that’s a superpower. Africa contributes the least to climate change but faces some of its harshest impacts. The world owes us solidarity—but we won’t wait. We’ll lead.

Tanzania is already in the top 10 African countries for off-grid solar use. Over 10 million households across Africa now use clean energy. Young innovators here are turning farm waste into fuel, building solar startups, and designing climate tech. The International Renewable Energy Agency says Africa could create more than 9 million green jobs by 2030. But only if we invest now. That’s not just an economic plan—that’s your career pathway.

Just a few months ago, African leaders gathered at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi—and what was the headline? Africa is not just a victim; Africa is a solution hub. From green minerals to green minds, the world is finally taking notice. This moment—this gathering—It’s a spark. But sparks need fuel.

So I’m asking you: What’s your fuel? What’s your fire?

Maybe it’s starting a school garden. Maybe it’s launching a clean tech project. Maybe it’s just using your voice to raise awareness. Whatever it is—start now. Not when you’re older. Not when it’s perfect. Now. Because when youth rise, the world shifts. This isn’t just about climate. It’s about our future—and our power to shape it.

On behalf of all the organizers and partners who made this event possible, I thank you for being here.

Let today spark something new in each of us: a deeper awareness, a stronger sense of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to leave this planet better than we found it.

Asanteni Sana! Thank you!