2nd edition of University of Green Governance kicks off in Yaounde
By Doh James Sonkey
Organized by the NGO Young Volunteers for the Environment better known by its French acronym JVE, the 2nd edition of the University of Green Governance – UniGove, has officially kicked off last August 12, 2026, at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung head office in the nation capital.
Hosted by the “Advancing Gender Equality through Youth Engagement for Green Governance and Climate Action in Cameroon” AGEYCA program, this initiative ensures that 250 young participants nationwide easily engage with the 20 module curriculum online. The official opening was attended by a selected panel of facilitators, scholars, and politicians.
Through platforms like UniGove 2026, Cameroon’s youth are reclaiming ecology as a space for technological reconquest, political empowerment, and economic autonomy to secure a sustainable future.
Speaking during the occasion, the Head of the AGEYCA Project, Blondel Silenou said he was happy with the dramatic expansion of the initiative compared to its maiden edition, which hosted 50 participants. He explained that "by scaling up to mobilize 250 young citizens, the project aims to broaden youth reach and foster direct, active participation within decision-making and policy structures. The primary goal is to empower a new generation to move beyond passive observation and take an active, hands-on role in shaping national environmental policy."
Delivering the inaugural lesson, Patrice Bigombe Logo of CERAD explained that youth-led training is crucial for helping Cameroon meet its local and international climate and biodiversity commitments. Given the nation’s strategic position in the Congo Basin, sustainable governance can establish Cameroon as a model for environmental leadership. However, Logo warned that rapid expansion in mining, logging, and agriculture risks damaging local ecosystems as the country pursues its “Vision 2035” emerging economy goals, making a “green budget setup” essential to integrate safeguards directly into national policy.
Addressing systemic political and socio-economic hurdles, researcher and politician Paul Stephane Menounga stressed how institutional corruption, voter manipulation, and an acute youth underemployment rate of up to 90% paralyze civic progress. He noted that digital distractions and counterproductive mindsets like tribalism further fragment national unity and weaken local governance monitoring. To break this cycle, Menounga urged young citizens to reject short-term bribes, build a national consciousness that transcends ethnic divisions, and actively participate in municipal elections to hold leaders accountable for real social development.
Adding a regional perspective on the global energy transition, Nyassi Lucain from NRGI highlighted the contractual asymmetries and revenue corruption that plague Central Africa despite its low contribution to global carbon emissions. He observed that Central African communities face severe climate impacts, such as prolonged droughts and flooding, while receiving little protection from state-to-state partnership contracts. Lucain argued that institutional gaps can only be bridged through courageous oversight and transparent resource management.
The event wrapped up with Lucain emphasizing on the aspect that the region’s young population is redefining the very definition of green governance. Moving beyond basic gestures like planting trees or collecting waste, young innovators are utilizing agritech, decentralized renewable energy, and civic tech to hold authorities accountable.
Participants at launch of 2nd edition of UNIGOVE
