The organization's executive director, Kondwani Mwendo-Phiri, said the country has witnessed the ugly face of climate change in cyclone Freddy hence the need for the youths to lead in reforestation drive.

Mwendo said this on Friday after a youth engagement in the district.

"As a continuation of the series of events in line with youth day of service, with support from Leap Africa we have conducted a hackathon which involved youth leaders from diverse youth platforms under the theme leaving no one behind," he said.

He added, "the hackthon highlighted key areas such as, sustainable development goals with a particular focus on goal 13 youth in climate action, Malawi vision 2063, the African Union 2063 and National youth policy".

Similarly, Mulanje Youth Organization director, Martin Msondole, has also stressed that youths who are in majority should establish their forests within their vicinities.

On her part, Thyolo youth network chairperson, Merenia Huwa, says they are ready to embrace the challenge.

"We are going to take action on that. As youths in the district, we are planting trees in youth clubs which we are getting from various partners," Huwa said.

30 youth leaders from different youth clubs and networks around Thyolo district attended the engagement.