Climate Resilience: Professor George Acheampong at the Forefront of Policy Dialogue

In a significant gathering aimed at addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time, Professor George Acheampong (Project Director - University of Ghana Business School Innovation and Incubation Hub) represented as the Implementation Coordinator (UG-CCReS Innovation and Entrepreneurship) for the University of Ghana Collaborative on Climate Resilience and Sustainability (UG-CCReS) initiative funded by the Mastercard Foundation. His active participation in the high-level policy dialogue themed "Supporting Resilience Against the Effects of Climate Change in Vulnerable Groups" marked a pivotal moment for the hub and its commitment to fostering innovative solutions for climate resilience.

This policy dialogue brought together influential stakeholders from academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The discussions focused on creating actionable strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches that empower those most affected.

Professor Acheampong's presence at the dialogue was particularly significant given his role as a thought leader in innovative entrepreneurship and capacity building. He articulated the critical connection between economic empowerment and climate resilience, arguing that equipping young people with the right tools and mindsets is foundational to driving sustainable solutions.

In his contributions, Professor Acheampong underscored a crucial point: “The market is ruthless; it does not inherently recognize youth or the climate. When individuals engage with the market, they are ultimately seeking value,” he reflected. He asserted that hands-on experience and mindset transformation during formative years are essential for instilling resilience among the younger generation. This perspective highlights the necessity of enabling young people to understand and navigate market dynamics, especially in the context of climate resilience.

He passionately called for an experiential learning framework that actively engages youths, allowing them to explore innovative ideas while utilizing their adaptation skills cultivated through real-world experiences. By contributing to the dialogue, Professor Acheampong not only represented the interests of the University of Ghana but also positioned the Innovation and Incubation Hub as a vital player in the broader discourse on climate change and entrepreneurship.

The discussions held during the dialogue resonated with the goal of the Innovation and Incubation Hub, which is to foster the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The event also provided a unique platform for networking and collaboration among stakeholders, laying the groundwork for future partnerships that can enhance the effectiveness of climate resilience initiatives.

As the University of Ghana continues to champion sustainability and resilience, Professor Acheampong’s participation in this high-level dialogue reaffirms the hub's commitment to integrating climate considerations into entrepreneurship education and practice. His insights and visionary approach inspire not only students and emerging entrepreneurs but also set a precedent for how academic institutions can actively contribute to impactful solutions that empower individuals to thrive in the face of climate change.