On May 13, 2022 we had the honor of speaking to Prof. Youba Sokona who has over 40 years of experience addressing energy, environment, and sustainable development in Africa, has been at the heart of numerous national and continental initiatives. He is currently Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change after serving as Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group III and being a Lead Author since 1990. He has a proven track record of organizational leadership and management, for example as Inaugural Coordinator of the African Climate Policy Centre and as Executive Secretary of the Sahara and the Sahel Observatory. He is affiliated with numerous boards and organizations including as Honorary Professor at the University College London, Member of The World Academy of Sciences, and the African Academy of Sciences, Science Advisory Committee of the International Institute for Applied System Analysis.

When asked about the process of the IPCC and his leadership in that context, Prof. Youba spoke about how the IPCC brings together scientists across the world on a voluntary basis in order to create reports that aim to present options to countries on ways to act regarding the climate emergency. He also mentioned that the IPCC must remain neutral regarding policy. It should focus on giving options in not only this way but many other ways. The IPCC has become instrumental in having COP and leading international agreements including the Kyoto Protocol. Prof. Youba also mentioned that leadership qualities are important but systemic leadership is key.

Komal Mittal, mentor of the POP Movement, asked Prof. Sokona about strategies needed to get policy-makers to take their responsibilities regarding climate change more seriously. Prof. Youba spoke about how climate change is a problem that needs to be addressed over-time; it’s not a one-solution that fits all or that once you apply it everything will be alright. Prof. Youba also mentioned that education and information are key. We need to educate key players to understand climate issues and we need climate information to be accessible to anyone in any area or situation no matter how marginalized.

Stephanie Evans from Seas of Change, a youth-led organization in Australia, asked Prof. Youba about using international cooperation to promote effective climate policies in different countries. Prof. Youba spoke about the need to understand that we only have one planet and that everyone will eventually be affected by climate change in order to promote international cooperation and especially solidarity.

Melissa Chen from Seas of Change, a youth-led organization in Australia, asked Prof. Youba about possible resistance to the reports that the IPCC has faced. Prof. Youba spoke about how the institution stays true to science and is neutral in its opinions. So this helps keep a concrete and science-based storyline. Prof. Youba also spoke about how this information is available to everyone and how youth can benefit from presenting their perspectives on the reports.

Finally, Samuel Okorie from POP Africa asked about what youth can do to effectively impact policy-makers to which Prof. Youba referred to the importance of hard work and applying systematic leadership to achieve greater effects with long term and enduring efforts.