Accra: Madam Darling Maame Efua Cann, the Deputy Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), has emphasized the need for the government to prioritize youth involvement in policymaking to achieve sustainable development. She highlighted that engaging the youth in these processes fosters civic engagement, encouraging them to become active participants in shaping a more sustainable future. According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Efua Cann shared her insights during an interview in celebration of World Cities Day 2024. This year's theme, 'Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities,' focuses on youth advocacy for robust climate resilience efforts and urges local governments to prioritize sustainable development. The Global Observance underlines the importance of building climate-resilient cities as a shared responsibility. The Deputy PRO emphasized that UN-Habitat has stressed the necessity for governments to empower youth through education , skills training, and enterprise opportunities, especially in informal settlements, as a vital approach to achieving urban resilience and reducing vulnerability. She noted that cities contribute over 80 percent of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), serving as economic engines. However, climate hazards threaten these economic gains, particularly affecting urban populations in informal settlements. Madam Efua Cann pointed out that in Africa, climate disasters have adversely impacted 2.6 million people, underscoring the urgency for sustainable urban policies. UN-Habitat's strategy focuses on supporting youth by training them in sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and enterprise development to drive climate resilience within cities. In Ghana, the MLGDRD has launched strategic projects aimed at climate resilience, sustainable growth, and community development. Initiatives such as the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme, Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project, Ghana Sm art SDG Cities Programme, Green Project, and the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP) reflect Ghana's dedication to building resilient and sustainable cities. Youth empowerment and engagement are integral to these projects. Through targeted training, capacity building, and support initiatives, the Ministry ensures that young people are equipped to lead sustainable and resilient communities. Many young entrepreneurs have pioneered eco-friendly technologies, waste reduction initiatives, and green businesses within their localities, demonstrating a youth-led movement toward a sustainable future. Madam Efua Cann stressed that with a strong focus on empowerment and infrastructure, these programs lay the groundwork for a future where cities remain centers of economic prosperity and are well-prepared for climate shocks. As urban areas worldwide continue to face the impacts of climate change, World Cities Day highlights the need to create sustainable urban spaces through collaboration, innovation, and youth investment. By supporting the youth today, Ghana and other nations can cultivate climate champions of tomorrow, equipped to lead the charge in building a resilient, sustainable future for all.