In November 2024, Youth4Climate Justice (Y4CJ), with support from ActionAid Zambia and Global Platform Zambia, conducted a transformative training workshop at the Global Platform in Lusaka. The session brought together over 20 young activists from across the country for an intensive capacity-building program focused on the nexus between climate justice and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) rights.

This training was part of Y4CJ’s broader mission to equip youth with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to tackle the interconnected challenges of climate change and public health. Held under the theme “Promoting Climate Action through Activism and Advocacy,” the workshop emphasized the critical link between the climate crisis and access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene—particularly for vulnerable communities already facing the brunt of climate impacts.

During the training, participants engaged in deep discussions and interactive sessions that examined how climate-induced events such as floods and droughts disrupt water systems, spread disease, and worsen existing inequalities in WASH service delivery. The program also explored how to adopt a rights-based approach in responding to these challenges, placing human dignity and justice at the centre of climate and WASH advocacy. Young leaders were also trained in effective storytelling, campaign design, and policy engagement to elevate community voices and influence decision-making at local and national levels. The diverse backgrounds of the participants—some focusing on climate justice, others on WASH rights—allowed for rich cross-learning and collaboration, breaking silos between movements and promoting unity in purpose.

By the end of the training, participants left with a deeper understanding of how climate and WASH issues are interconnected and a stronger commitment to joint action. The initiative laid a foundation for building youth-led networks that can advocate for inclusive policies and implement community-based solutions that are both sustainable and just. As climate challenges continue to evolve, Y4CJ remains committed to supporting young people in driving intersectional action that uplifts both environmental integrity and human well-being.