Bridging Borders for Climate Justice: A SEED Journey from Malawi to Norway
Exchange Program | #ClimateJusticeNow!!
In the chill of Norway's winter, amidst the snow-capped landscapes, I find myself far from the warm embrace of my homeland, Malawi. Many curious faces inquire about my presence here, and my response echoes through the corridors of climate justice.
I am part of an exchange program, SEED (Solidarity Exchange for the Environment and Development), spanning five transformative months from January to May. This program, fostered by the collaborative efforts of Spire organization in Norway and Point of Progress (POP) organization in Malawi, under the support of NOREC (The Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation), is not just about traversing geographical borders; it's a journey of consciousness, advocacy, and action for a sustainable future.
SEED isn't merely a program; it's a catalyst for change, aimed at nurturing a new generation of climate champions - like me! Through workshops, campaigns, debates, and networking opportunities, it empowers young leaders from diverse backgrounds to engage with climate justice issues and drive tangible solutions in their communities. The heartbeat of SEED pulsates with the rhythm of collaboration between Spire in Norway and POP in Malawi, two organizations united by a common purpose. With a spotlight on agriculture, gender, and youth participation, the program unfolds over ten months, with five months dedicated to each country.
In Malawi, the initial phase of SEED unfolded like a symphony of activism. The highlight was the Climate Justice Conference, themed "Just Transition: Catalyzing Climate Action in Malawi for a Sustainable Future." This pivotal event convened stakeholders, decision-makers, and impassioned youth advocates to deliberate, discuss, and devise strategies for climate resilience. From panel discussions to policy briefs, the conference amplified the voices of youth and forged pathways for meaningful engagement in climate policy. During my service in Malawi I learned a lot of things that were important for my personal and professional growth. As a SEED participant, we engaged young people from secondary schools and from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Bunda Campus) in climate justice and environmental education. It was through this that I gained skills in facilitation and public speaking.
Beyond conference halls and classrooms, as SEED participants we embarked on a journey to southern and eastern part of Malawi, traversing landscapes scarred by climate crises. In Machinga, where the results of Cyclone Freddy still linger, we witnessed firsthand the resilience and vulnerability of communities grappling with environmental upheaval. This inspired me focus even more on climate activism and voice out these injustices, and that is why we are here in Norway today. We aim to have conversations with politicians around the adverse impact of fossil fuels.
Now, in the serene landscapes of Norway, the SEED journey continues. Armed with insights and determination, as participants we delve into the heart of the climate movement, engaging with high schools, environmental organizations, and policymakers. Our mission is clear: to advocate for climate justice, to hold leaders accountable to their commitments, and to amplify the voices of those on the frontlines of environmental injustice.
As we navigate this new ground, we carry a message of urgency and hope. Norway, too, must honor its pledges, doubling climate financing by 2026 and prioritizing investments in agriculture. These funds, they assert, must not be relegated to the sidelines but woven into the fabric of sustainable development. SEED embodies the power of solidarity in the face of planetary challenges. It is a testament to the potential of young leaders like me to bridge divides, inspire change, and sow the seeds of a greener, fairer future. As we traverse borders, we carry the promise of a world where climate justice knows no bounds. Through this program I will gain more experience and insights from an international perspective on climate justice, and develop professional skills such as advocacy, facilitation and public speaking.
Thank you for reading Malawi’s Call. I’m looking forward to sharing more of my journey with you.
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