Desmond Alugnoa is a young leader and co-founder of GAYO, an African organization that won the prestigious Earthshot Prize in 2024. This prize recognizes the most innovative environmental solutions worldwide and highlighted the growing impact of African youth in the fight against climate change.
During the award ceremony, broadcast live from Cape Town, Desmond dedicated GAYO’s victory to the youth of Africa and the world, emphasizing their crucial role in finding solutions for a sustainable future. With over 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, young people on the continent are a valuable asset for developing creative ecological solutions.
Desmond, with his organization GAYO, embodies this generation of young Africans who, rather than waiting for external help, are taking the initiative to solve environmental challenges using their skills and ingenuity. GAYO, with its on-the-ground projects, shows how African youth can innovate and transform their environment.
The prize won by GAYO is not only a recognition of Desmond’s commitment but also a symbol of the strength of African youth in building a greener and more sustainable future for the continent and the world.
