Hendre Backs Youth Push for Climate Action Funding

By Dean Chisambo………

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Climate Change, Tiaone Hendre, has pledged strong support for young Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) advocating for increased prioritization and financing of climate change interventions.

Hendre made the remarks Tuesday at Parliament in Lilongwe after receiving a petition from youth-led CSOs championing natural resource management and climate action.

She said the committee shares the concerns raised by the young activists, stressing that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an everyday reality affecting communities across the country.

“When we talk about climate shocks, we experience them every year. We are with the young CSOs. When floods, droughts and displacement occur, we are equally affected as Members of Parliament,” said Hendri.

She assured the group that the committee will follow through on the petition until it is formally presented in the House, in line with its oversight role.

Executive Director of the youth CSOs and leader of the Clean Cities Project, , said the petition represents millions of young people living in frontline communities impacted by climate change.

Manyozo noted that Malawi continues to face recurring disasters, including floods, displacement and infrastructure damage, largely due to reactive rather than preventive approaches.

“What motivates us is that our country responds after disasters strike. We are saying enough is enough—there is need for policies that focus on prevention,” he said.

He cited past disasters such as , which affected over two million people, alongside Cyclones Ana and Idai, as evidence of the growing climate crisis.

Manyozo also pointed to ongoing infrastructure damage, including at Pasadzi and Ling’ona bridges affecting communities in Salima and Nkhotakota.

He emphasized the need for long-term policies, stronger enforcement and accountability, warning that young people will continue to push for action, including scrutinizing future national budgets.

Manyozo further faulted weak enforcement of existing policies, which he said has forced communities to remain in disaster-prone areas, and urged government to take full responsibility in implementing climate resilience measures.