UNIMAWES Champions Climate Solutions at Youth Conference
As climate change and environmental issues become increasingly pressing worldwide, students at the University of Malawi are taking action to address these challenges. One of the dynamic student societies at UNIMA, the Wildlife and Environmental Society (UNIMAWES), comprises of such students who take issues of the environment to heart.
The society recently had the opportunity to attend the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) on 12th October, 2024. The conference which took place at the embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Lilongwe, was graced by Her Worship, Esther Sagawa, Lilongwe City Council Mayor, and it attracted a number of organizations, innovators and environmental enthusiasts. Some of the notable individuals who were present at the conference included the wife of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Malawi, and Dr Japhet Bakuwa, Director of Standards and Quality Audits at the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), who is also the founder and former patron of UNIMAWES. This year’s conference took on the theme: “Innovate, Adapt, and Thrive: Youth-Driven Solutions for Climate Action”.
Mr. Henry Supedi, UNIMAWES President and 4th year student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Sciences programme, had an opportunity to present on the progress of UNIMAWES before the audience. Mr Supedi shared some of the notable achievements and contributions that the society has made towards issues of climate and environment. Since its formation in 2020, the society has taken a keen interest and participated in different environmental activities both at community level and national level. Just last year, the society led a tree planting exercise at UNIMA where 2000 trees were planted around the catchment area at Mulunguzi Dam. The society has also participated in community outreach activities, environmental and wildlife advocacy and cleaning exercises around the city of Zomba. The society is also in the process of creating a small recreation center behind Chikowi Lecture Theatre as one way of providing students with a pleasant environment for interaction and group discussions.
Attending the conference was a huge milestone for the society, as Mr Suwedi explained: “The conference has enabled the society to forge new networks and partnerships, and in addition to that, the feedback we received has helped us to gain insights as to where to improve and fill our gaps to effectively serve our communities and the country as a whole when it comes to issues of the environment.”
He added that LCOY Malawi 2024 was a momentous event where enthusiastic young leaders, innovators, and organizations has the opportunity to share their insights on tackling issues about climate change. The event provided a great experience to the participants who are passionate about the environment and climate change issues.
As the world continues to find solutions to the pressing issue of climate change, UNIMA continues supporting its students in integrating technology to reduce climate change impacts. Through academic research, innovations and academic excellence UNIMA continues to play an important role in shaping the minds of the students to play a significant role in the country.
