African Civil Society Unites in Addis Ababa to Ignite Climate Action

In an electrifying gathering that resonated with a sense of urgency, the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance orchestrated a symphony of voices, merging civil society organizations, governmental bodies, experts, and key stakeholders. The African Civil Society Roundtable on Climate Action convened in Addis Ababa on the 10th and 11th of August 2023, to provide the stakeholders with a platform to review the status of implementation of AMCEN decisions and to develop a common position targeting the African Ministers of Environment, like a dynamic ecosystem, echoing a collective call for action against the impending climate catastrophe.

With the weight of history hanging in the air, Charles Mwangi, the Head of Programs and Research at the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance, seized the moment during the opening remarks to recall the many AMCEN sessions in the past. “There have been many sessions of the AMCEN,” he recalled, “and we are asking, have the resolutions and decisions been implemented to achieve climate justice for Africa?”

The 19th session of the Africa Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) from the 14th to the 18th of August, the crescendo of conversations during this pre-conference roundtable reverberates with a harmony of urgency and commitment. The overarching theme of the 19th AMCEN session, On this premise “Seizing opportunities and enhancing collaboration to address environmental challenges in Africa,” sets the tone for harmonious collaboration in tackling the urgent environmental challenges that loom large. And is aligned to the objective of this meeting which is to provide the stakeholders with a platform to review the status of implementation of AMCEN decisions and to develop a common position targeting the African Ministers of Environment.

Within the walls of the roundtable, impassioned voices engaged in a symposium of ideas, centering on the fulcrum of our age – climate change. The findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report of March 2023 cast a long shadow, underscoring the indomitable role of human activities in propelling global warming. It echoes the dire need to cradle the rise in global temperatures, ensuring they don’t exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

In a dance of discourse, the spotlight danced on the disparities of climate change’s effects, showcasing its disproportionate grip on the vulnerable communities of Africa. These very communities, having contributed the least to the greenhouse gas emissions, bear the brunt of climate-induced upheavals. With a fervent plea, the call resounded for an exigent 43% reduction in emissions by 2030, a shield to protect these vulnerable pockets of life and the planet itself.

Robert Muthami, a beacon of climate insight, meticulously dissected the decisions of the 18th Ordinary session of the AMCEN. His clarion call was for all participants to transform the AMCEN processes, breathing vibrant life into their mechanisms, and utilizing them to amplify the implementation of decisions.

The roundtable delved into the interstices between existing policies, nationally determined contributions, and the quantum of funds earmarked for climate objectives. The symphony of discourse emphasized the intricate balance required between mitigation and adaptation, particularly within developing nations.

Amidst the fervor, a keystone emerged – the perceived void in commitment and accountability from AMCEN member states in the execution of conference decisions. From this wellspring of concern, the resonance of accountability echoed, from the Civil Societies  demanding a coherent mechanism to track progress and uncover avenues for improvement. A beacon of inclusivity illuminated the stage, reminding all that the triumph of AMCEN hinges on the collective involvement of all stakeholders. Obed Koringo Climate Policy Advisor at Care International reiterated this by stating, “ The collaboration of all key stakeholders ensures a 360 approach in ensuring we achieve consistent and sustainable outcomes from processes such as AMCEN.”

As the curtains drew on this symposium of minds, the African Civil Society Roundtable on Climate Action stands as a beacon of unity, aimed at examining the status of AMCEN decisions’ implementation. A shared stance, molded by non-state actors across the spectrum, now stands as a torchbearer for the forthcoming 19th AMCEN session.

Twofold are the fruits borne from this assembly – a unified stance from non-state actors on AMCEN’s thematic trajectories and a bouquet of recommendations, akin to petals of urgency, to expedite the execution of AMCEN resolutions. These outcomes embody the unwavering dedication of civil society organizations and stakeholders alike, poised to shape Africa’s response to the environmental turmoil.

Dr. Olufunso Somorin, a Regional Principal Officer at the African Development Bank, “The continent has seen the evolving of its own leadership and this is a key step in ensuring we have the relevant tools, financial systems and partnerships critical for our collective goal of a climate-resilient Africa”

 The African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) was established in December 1985, following a conference of African ministers of environment held in Cairo, Egypt. Its mandate is to provide advocacy for environmental protection in Africa; to ensure that basic human needs are met adequately and in a sustainable manner; to ensure that social and economic development is realized at all levels; and to ensure that agricultural activities and practices meet the food security needs of the region. AMCEN has implemented many concrete measures with regard to regional policy development, awareness-raising, advocacy, coordination, networking, knowledge management and dissemination, and training. Through its strong convening power, it has brought together African Governments, institutions and their development partners to deliberate and craft common positions on important issues for regional, international and global consideration.