JVE Cameroon has intensively educated journalists and civil society organizations in a two-day national workshop om the theme “Towards COP31,” aimed at strengthening the capacity of journalists, bloggers, communication professionals and civil society actors to adequately take part in the upcoming cop31 climate conference which comes up from 9–20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Journalists and civil society activists at the workshop were also trained to report on climate governance and international climate negotiations.
The workshop was held at the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa and brought together more than 25 participants from all ten regions of Cameroon.
The initiative is implemented under the AGEYCA project, funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), and seeks to promote youth engagement, gender equality and inclusive participation in climate governance.
The opening ceremony featured representatives of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, JVE Cameroon and the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED).
Cameroon’s UNFCCC focal point, Dr. Timothée Kagonbe, highlighted the important role of the media in interpreting climate policies, monitoring national commitments and making climate issues accessible to the public.
Over the two days, participants received training on key international and national climate governance frameworks, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, the Conference of the Parties (COP), Cameroon’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and national climate adaptation plans.
The sessions combined expert presentations with practical exercises designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to produce accurate, evidence-based and impactful climate stories, while promoting transparency, public participation and informed dialogue ahead of COP31.
Participants were also introduced to Youth Climate Watch, an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform developed by JVE Cameroon to improve access to climate information, map climate initiatives and facilitate collaboration among journalists, researchers, civil society organisations and policymakers.
Civil society leader Sunday Geoffrey, Executive Coordinator of Support Humanity Cameroon, stressed the importance of structured education on national climate priorities. He said such knowledge enables young advocates to contribute meaningfully to climate action, develop position papers and engage effectively with government delegations at international climate summits.
For climate activist Ndifongwa Ngumsi Suh, the training provided deeper insight into the evolution of international climate negotiations, from the 1992 UNFCCC to the Paris Agreement. She also linked the sessions to her previous experience tracking climate finance during COP29.
Participants said the training strengthened their confidence and renewed their commitment to contributing to climate action through informed reporting, advocacy and public engagement
