African Parliamentarians Unite to Shape Global Climate Agenda for a Sustainable Future

In a concerted effort to steer the course of climate action on a global scale, African parliamentarians have convened in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Pan-African Parliamentary Dialogue. Organized by the Pan-African Parliament and the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance, this pivotal meeting aims to harmonize the endeavors of African legislatures and parliamentarians regarding climate justice and equity. The ultimate goal is to wield influence over the global climate agenda, thereby securing a sustainable future not only for Africa but for the entire world.

Held on the sidelines of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, the Pan-African Parliamentary Dialogue offers an invaluable opportunity for reflection and reinforcement of African parliamentarians’ significance in the worldwide climate change discourse. The event coincides with the Africa Climate Summit 2023, scheduled from September 4^th-6th, which bears the theme “Driving Green Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World.”

Over the course of two days, parliamentarians hailing from across the African continent will engage in robust discussions. The focal point of these deliberations will be the implementation of resolutions and recommendations crafted by the Pan-African Parliament concerning climate policy and equity within Africa. This endeavor follows the third Pan-African Climate Summit on Equity, which transpired in Midrand, South Africa. During this summit, African legislatures devised a comprehensive framework targeting global actions, emphasizing adaptation, urging developed nations to fulfill commitments, and exerting pressure on them to expedite emission reduction efforts.

Hon. Martha Wangari, representing the Speaker of the Kenyan Parliament, highlighted the universality of climate change’s impacts. “Climate change does not discriminate; it affects all of us,” she emphasized. She underscored the principle of equity, asserting that those with greater capacity must shoulder responsibility for the benefit of those with fewer resources. This resonates especially as Africa, while contributing the least to pollution, bears the brunt of climate crises.

Speaking on behalf of Hon.Senator Amason Kingi, Senator Moses Kajwang from the Kenyan Senate, echoed the sentiment that Africa must assume a central role in global discussions affecting its interests. He stressed the need for persistent engagement, insisting, “And it starts with the leadership in the continent appreciating our cumulative and determining to persistently leverage the same to advance African interests in all spheres of engagements including on Climate Change and climate action.”

Senator John Bonds Bideri, Chair of the Pan-African Parliament Permanent Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters, affirmed the event’s role in reinforcing past climate action initiatives. He expressed confidence that the dialogue would equip parliamentarians with the tools to amplify climate action efforts and strengthen the African voice on the global climate agenda.

The third Pan-African Parliamentary Summit held in May 2023 produced a slate of recommendations and resolutions in line with climate policy and equity promotion. Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), emphasized the integration of climate policies with development priorities, underlining the importance of low-carbon development pathways that bolster energy, food, water, and health security while preserving natural resources and biodiversity.

A pivotal outcome of the summit was the adoption of resolutions authorizing the Pan-African Parliament to draft a model law on climate change. This stride is integral to strengthening the continent’s response to the climate crisis.

As African parliamentarians fortify their collective stance, their united efforts hold the promise of influencing global climate agendas, driving equitable action, and fostering a sustainable future for all.