Innovation Champions Training: Strengthening Youth Leadership for Community-Led Innovation.

As part of the UNFPA-supported Community-Led Innovation (CLI) project, 50 young people from the four target project locations Jebel, Gurei, Sherikat and Mangaten IDP Camp participated in a full-day Innovation Champions Training, this training was designed to build a generation of youth leaders capable of driving community-owned solutions. The group included high school students and early university learners, all selected for their interest in community development and their commitment to creating positive change.

What the Participants Learned

The training introduced participants to the CLI model an approach that empowers communities to identify challenges and co-create sustainable solutions. Through interactive sessions, group work, and hands-on exercises, the Champions strengthened their abilities in:

• Identifying local challenges using community mapping tools

• Applying design thinking and co-creation methods

• Generating and prioritizing ideas rooted in community needs

• Communicating and presentation of solutions with clarity and confidence

• Facilitating innovation activities among peers and community groups

A major component of the training focused on climate change and gender-based violence (GBV) two issues that significantly affect young people and their communities. Participants explored how climate stressors such as displacement, resource scarcity, and livelihood disruptions can increase risks of GBV, especially for women and girls. They discussed real examples from their communities and examined how innovation can help reduce these risks by promoting resilience, safety, and inclusive decision-making.

Through this discussion, they learned to connect climate vulnerability and social protection, and to design solutions that consider both environmental and gender-related impacts.

Becoming Innovation Champions

Participants also reflected on what it means to become Innovation Champions within their communities. They committed to:

• Supporting ongoing CLI activities.

• Mobilizing peers to participate in innovation efforts.

• Facilitating discussions on climate challenges, safety, and community wellbeing.

• Promoting inclusive and respectful spaces for idea generation.

• Helping surface local issues that require co-created solutions.

Key Outcomes of the Training

By the end of the day:

• Participants demonstrated a clear understanding of the CLI approach and its application.

• Groups identified 3–5 priority community challenges for potential follow-up innovation work, several linked to climate impacts and GBV risks.

• A network of Innovation Champions was formally established to support future project activities.

• Youth capacity in leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving was significantly strengthened.

• Participants expressed improved awareness of the relationship between climate change and GBV, and how youth-led innovations can help address both.