The African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) is an umbrella youth network that was conceived in 2006 in Nairobi Kenya, during the 2nd International Conference of Youth held before the UNFCCC, COP 12. This initiative has continued to connect, share knowledge, ideas, experiences, skills and strategies on youth action around the continent on climate change mitigation and adaptation. It has been identified by African youth as providing an effective platform in order to address regional challenges at international gatherings, such as the UNFCCC COP process among others.

Key youth organizations and countries that have been involved and continue to play a major role in the initiative in AYICC are: JVE Togo, AYICC Kenya, YEN Zambia, Energy Crossroads East Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, GYCCC Ghana, Nigeria youth climate Coalition, South Africa, Children for Children Organization- Gambia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Sierra Leone, REJEFAC-Cameroon, Benin, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Rwanda among many others.

The members of the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) address the bigger picture of climate change by appreciating its links with sustainable development.

In this regard, the AYICC will link climate change and poverty reduction targets, especially in terms of utilizing appropriate and ecologically viable strategies. Thus ensuring both positive developments and avoiding the negative impacts of climate change.