Support from the National Youth Commission (NYC) and private sector partners is strengthening efforts to equip young people with the knowledge, leadership skills, and opportunities needed to take meaningful part in climate action through the Youth Climate Leadership Accelerator Project (Youth CLAP) of the Climate Change Commission (CCC).

MANILA, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) Youth Climate Leadership Accelerator Project (Youth CLAP) has garnered support from the National Youth Commission (NYC) and private sector partners, strengthening the CCC’s efforts to develop the next generation of climate leaders.

The second session, held at the Mapua University Makati campus, brought together students from selected higher education institutions (HEIs) for discussions on climate governance, the economic impacts and costs of climate change, solution-building, campaign development, and monitoring and evaluation. The learning activities were designed to help participants understand how climate challenges are shaped by governance and economic systems, while developing practical approaches that can be pursued within their institutions and communities.

Participants examined climate governance at the global, national, and local levels, and revisited their problem trees and developed solution trees to identify the underlying causes of climate challenges and map out possible responses. These activities encouraged students to connect their understanding of climate issues with concrete opportunities for action.

Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the role of the government in preparing the youth to become formal leaders and active civic participants by creating platforms for dialogue such as Youth CLAP.

“Our responsibility is to continue growing as a country, and the youth will play that important role of bridging the hopes of the past to the energy of the present towards the reality that we want for the future,” Borje said.

Meanwhile, NYC Chairperson Jeff Ortega urged the youth to focus on translating climate concerns into concrete and realistic solutions, emphasizing that young people and student organizations can already take action within their own communities even as broader accountability mechanisms continue to develop.

“When you develop your proposals and engage with like-minded people, think of concrete and realistic ways to address these issues. While we wait for accountability from those who need to be accountable, we can already take action on the ground, among students and through student organizations to turn these ideas into initiatives that can be implemented and create real impact,” Ortega said.

The second session also featured a Masterclass on private sector initiatives on climate action, led by Ma. Victoria Tan, former head of the Enterprise Risk Management and Sustainability Unit of Ayala Corporation and now Chief Finance Officer of Keltera Corp. The session aimed to broaden the participants’ understanding of how different sectors can contribute to climate solutions and the importance of partnerships in advancing climate action.

“Corporate accountability isn't something companies just hand over, it's something we have to demand. When you use your power as consumers, speak up with your investments, and drive public campaigns, you turn simple public pressure into real corporate urgency,” Tan said.

Youth CLAP forms part of efforts to provide young people with the knowledge, skills, and collaborative spaces necessary to take part in climate action. The accelerated learning journey consists of four core modules and a Masterclass, culminating in an Innovation Showcase where participants will present their developed climate solutions and proposals.

As young people increasingly engage with the impacts and solutions to climate change, sustained support from government, educational institutions, civil society, the private sector, and other partners remains important in creating spaces where they can learn, collaborate, innovate, and participate meaningfully in climate action.

Through Youth CLAP, the CCC continues to support the development of a generation of young climate leaders equipped to contribute to climate-resilient, safe, and sustainable communities.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.