Multistakeholder Consultative Forum Recommendations to the 37th AU Heads of States Summit on Strengthening Governance of Climate Action in Africa

Read here in English or  French

In the wake of multifaceted challenges facing the African continent, a Multistakeholder Consultative Forum was convened on the 12^th and 13^th of February 2024 in Addis Ababa, it convened government and intergovernmental representatives, Non-State Actors (including NGOs, Indigenous Groups, Women, Youth, Trade Unions, Farmers Groups, PWDS, and Pastoralists), the private sector, and experts. The purpose was to discuss crucial priority issues and solidify strategies to enhance our collective efforts in the year 2024. After two days of intensive deliberations, participants crafted a comprehensive statement addressing the urgent need for strengthened governance of climate action in Africa. The following recommendations are presented for consideration by the 37th AU Heads of States Summit.

The forum acknowledged the interconnectedness of global crises, ranging from social and political upheavals to environmental challenges. Against the backdrop of the Ukraine-Russian War and the Israel-Palestine conflict, it emphasized the significant impact these events have had on Africa’s economic, socio-political, and diplomatic landscape. The need for international solidarity and collaborative efforts to address the root causes of these crises was underscored.

The participants also recognized the compounding effects of the climate crisis, deepening debt burdens, and political fragility on the African continent. These factors not only impede the fulfillment of human rights obligations but also exacerbate inequality. The forum called for concerted efforts to address these challenges, emphasizing the imperative of inclusive and sustainable development pathways.

The forum put forth several key recommendations and messages for consideration by the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and the AU Assembly. This included a deeper internalization of COP28 outcomes, understanding the status of the continent in global climate discourse processes, and establishing a collective way forward for 2024 and beyond. The forum advocated strengthening collaboration among African nations and fostering partnerships with global stakeholders will contribute to a more effective and coordinated response to climate change.

The recommendations from the Multistakeholder Consultative Forum serve as a comprehensive guide for the 37th AU Heads of States Summit, urging leaders to prioritize climate action and strengthen governance mechanisms to address the multifaceted challenges facing the African continent. The proposed measures aim to foster international cooperation, enhance education for climate resilience, and deepen the understanding of the political economy of climate action in Africa. It is hoped that these recommendations will pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for the continent.