Cross River’s youngest appointee, Miss Racheal Bassey, has achieved another milestone as she was elected the National Coordinator of the Nigerian Youth Climate Negotiation Network (NYCNN). The election took place after an intensive three-day training on climate negotiation in Abuja, organized by ActionAid Nigeria, which brought together youth climate leaders from across the country.
The NYCNN works across all levers of negotiation—multilateral, bilateral, regional, sub-regional, and local, ensuring that young Nigerians are not only equipped for global representation but also empowered to influence decision-making processes at home and across Africa.
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Racheal’s election followed a transparent and competitive process, reflecting the confidence of her peers in her capacity to drive the network forward. Her leadership is expected to strengthen youth participation in climate governance, enhance collaboration with stakeholders, and amplify local realities in national and international climate dialogue.
Currently serving as the Special Assistant on Climate Change and Green Economy to the Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Racheal has distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for green entrepreneurship, climate justice, Climate diplomacy and sustainable development. Through her initiatives, she has mobilized young people, women, and communities to take practical action on climate and environmental issues.
In her remarks after the election, Racheal expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive leadership. She pledged to focus on capacity building, grassroots engagement, and bridging the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that Nigerian youth have a strong, coordinated voice in every space where climate negotiations take place.
The Nigerian Youth Climate Negotiation Network (NYCNN), an initiative of the ActionAid Nigeria, plays a critical role in preparing and positioning Nigerian youth to engage meaningfully in climate negotiations at all levels. By doing so, it ensures that the perspectives of young people are recognized, and their innovative solutions are incorporated into broader climate policies.
With this election, Miss Racheal Bassey continues to blaze the trail for young leaders in Cross River State and beyond, reaffirming the role of youth as agents of change in the pursuit of climate justice and a sustainable future.
