The Forestry Commission (FC) has received a courtesy visit from ENEF Foundation as part of its activities towards the organization of the International Children Climate Summit (ICCS) – Ghana 2026. The visit also formed part of the Foundation’s broader engagement to strengthen partnerships, deepen understanding of Ghana’s forest conservation and climate action efforts, and explore opportunities for collaboration in environmental sustainability and youth empowerment.
The founder of ENEF Foundation, Miss Eunice Nkeyasen, who was crowned Miss Earth in 2022, was accompanied by two other beauty queens, Miss Earth UK 2025, Ms. Laura L. Hudson and Miss Earth Nigeria 2025, Miss Divine Ekemini Nelson, and other staff of the Foundation. Their participation highlighted the growing role of youth ambassadors and influencers in promoting climate action, environmental awareness, and sustainable development. Their presence underscored the global nature of the summit and its commitment to empowering young people as champions of climate stewardship.
The Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Hon. Timothy Ataboadey Awontiirim, delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Executive, Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, warmly welcomed the delegation and commended ENEF Foundation for its commitment to climate action, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. He emphasised the importance of educating and inspiring young people as future environmental stewards, noting that the Forestry Commission remains committed to forest conservation, reforestation, biodiversity protection, and environmental education. He further highlighted opportunities for collaboration with ENEF Foundation and reaffirmed the Commission’s openness to partnerships that promote climate awareness and sustainable environmental practices.
In her remarks, Miss Eunice Nkeyasen, Founder of ENEF Foundation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the Commission. She noted that the Foundation is dedicated to educating and empowering children and young people on climate change and environmental stewardship, and is seeking to strengthen collaboration through initiatives such as the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative. She emphasised on the importance of learning from national institutions to enhance youth engagement in climate action.
Miss Earth UK 2025, Ms. Laura L. Hudson, also shared her commitment to using her platform to advocate for climate action and environmental awareness. She highlighted the importance of early education in shaping environmentally responsible citizens, noting that children are key to securing a sustainable future. She expressed appreciation for the work of both ENEF Foundation and the Forestry Commission and looked forward to school engagements aimed at inspiring young environmental champions.
Miss Earth Nigeria 2025, Miss Divine Ekemini Nelson, reflected on her international experience in environmental advocacy, noting that climate change remains a global challenge often compounded by misinformation and lack of awareness. She emphasised on the need for continuous education and shared learning, expressing her intention to apply insights gained from the Forestry Commission to strengthen youth education and climate advocacy efforts.
The Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD), Dr. Gordon Kofi Sarfo-Adu, provided an overview of the Forestry Commission’s mandate, explaining that it was established through the consolidation of previously fragmented agencies to ensure coordinated management of forest and wildlife resources. He outlined the Commission’s key areas of work, including reforestation, plantation development, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage initiatives, as well as emerging carbon credit and benefit-sharing programmes that support communities engaged in tree planting and conservation.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Chief Executive expressed appreciation for the engagement and reaffirmed the Forestry Commission’s readiness to collaborate with ENEF Foundation. He assured the delegation of the Commission’s open-door policy for future partnerships and encouraged continued efforts in advancing climate action and sustainability initiatives.
