Tanzania has been selected to host a continental training centre for young people on environment and climate change, a move expected to strengthen the country’s participation in global environmental discussions while opening new opportunities for youth.
Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office responsible for Environment, Dr Richard Muyungi, announced the development over the weekend during a special iftar event with environmental stakeholders held at the Institute of Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Bunju, Dar es Salaam.
He said the decision was made by the African Union Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, which designated Tanzania to host the centre aimed at equipping youth with knowledge and skills in environmental protection and climate change.
Dr Muyungi explained that the appointment was confirmed during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 14–15, 2026. The meeting was attended by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
According to him, the centre will help Tanzanian youth and others across Africa to access training on opportunities in the environmental sector while also expanding Tanzania’s engagement in international climate discussions.
“The centre will help young people understand opportunities available in the environmental sector and enable Tanzania to broaden its participation in global climate change debates,” he said.
He added that the initiative reflects growing recognition of the role of young people in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Ambassador, Frida Amani, said environmental protection and climate change have become key issues dominating global policy discussions.
She noted that the increasing global attention to climate change has also opened up new opportunities, particularly for young people willing to take part in environmental innovation, advocacy and conservation.
Frida urged youth to take advantage of such opportunities and work with the government to ensure that climate and environmental initiatives translate into meaningful change within communities.
“I encourage fellow youth to collaborate with the government in supporting environmental protection efforts because these initiatives also present opportunities,” she said.
Frida, who is also a Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist, emphasised the importance of youth involvement in advancing environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of The Green Samia initiative, Sarah Pima, said the organisation has continued to work closely with the government to support environmental conservation efforts.
She said the initiative has participated in various campaigns aimed at promoting environmental protection, including beach clean-up activities and tree planting programmes designed to raise public awareness about environmental preservation.
“These activities are intended to encourage communities to understand the importance of protecting the environment and to take part in conservation efforts,” she said.
The iftar event brought together officials from the Vice President’s Office, leaders from Magwepande Ward, representatives from The Green Samia initiative, and teachers and students from the Institute of Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
Participants used the gathering to discuss environmental conservation initiatives and explore ways to strengthen collaboration in addressing climate change challenges in Tanzania.
