Staff Writer
As Africa grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa emphasised the urgent need for a united front to build a sustainable and resilient future for the continent.
The Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa concluded on Monday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s collective efforts to address the pressing challenges of climate change, ahead of COP29 in Baku.
The conference, which was held alongside the special Tenth Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment brought together leaders, policymakers, experts, and advocates from across the continent and beyond.
The Conference serves as a vital platform for exploring innovative solutions, sharing best practices, and forging strategic partnerships.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in high-level discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at driving actionable outcomes that will enhance Africa’s resilience to climate change while promoting sustainable economic growth.
In his remarks, the acting director of climate change, food security and natural resource management division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Nassim Oulmane, emphasised the urgent need for innovative financing mechanisms to support climate adaptation and resilient initiatives across Africa.
“We recognise that without adequate, predictable and accessible financing, our efforts to implement climate adaptation strategies will be severely constrained,” said Oulmane.
He stressed the need to leverage collective expertise and resources to ensure that African governments, institutions, and communities are equipped with the scientific evidence, tools, and financial support necessary to withstand the impacts of climate change.
“The emphasis on inclusive stakeholder engagement -particularly involving women, youth, and marginalised communities- underscores our commitment to fair and equitable climate-resilient development. As we move forward, we must continue to empower those most affected by climate change, ensuring their voices are integral to the policy-making process. This approach is essential not only for justice but also for the effectiveness of our climate strategies,” Oulmane said.
The Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, Mithika Mwenda said the conference was pivotal in amplifying Africa’s voice on climate change.
“From addressing the adaptation finance gap to highlighting the impacts of desertification, our collective efforts and messages are now set to influence the Tenth Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment and COP 29,” Mwenda said.
The conference featured a wide range of sessions covering critical topics such as climate finance, carbon markets in Africa, just energy transitions with key outcomes underscoring the need to work together to find innovative ways of leveraging limited public resources to mobilize the investments needed for climate action.
The insights and strategies developed at the conference will serve as a roadmap for African countries as they prepare for the upcoming COP29 negotiations and beyond.
