Charting a Sustainable Future: Africa Unites for Global Climate Action at CCDA-XI

In a world facing the imminent threats of climate change, Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads. Climate change has evolved from a distant threat to an immediate reality, demanding our immediate attention. Against this backdrop, the eleventh Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XI) conference, held in Nairobi from September 1 to 3, 2023, takes on profound significance. Organized by the ClimDev-Africa initiative and hosted by the Government of Kenya, the  11^th CCDA conference promises to be a beacon of hope for climate justice on the continent.

The opening session of CCDA-XI commenced with Dr Mwenda Mithika, the Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), taking the floor. Dr. Mithika’s passionate address emphasized the critical role of CCDA in the face of diminishing civil society spaces across Africa. He called for collective action, stating, “In our pursuit of climate action, let us demonstrate global solidarity, for together, we can bring about transformative change.”

The CCDA-XI conference is not just another gathering of experts.It is a crucial forum for shaping the future of climate action in Africa. With representatives from various sectors and countries, the conference aims to produce detailed analytical data-driven and evidence-based recommendations on critical subthemes related to climate change. Anna Tjarvar, Counsellor/Programme Manager at the Embassy of Sweden Regional Africa, Ethiopia, underscored the urgency of our response to the climate crisis. She expressed Sweden’s unwavering commitment to supporting climate-related projects in Africa. “The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality that requires our immediate attention,” Tjarvar emphasized.

These recommendations will contribute to the outcome statements for African Heads of State, ultimately guiding Africa’s role in the global fight against climate change, including the upcoming UNFCCC COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Bassy, Secretary of the United City and Local Government in Africa, highlighted the organization’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa through climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. He stressed the importance of aligning national climate commitments with local realities and empowering local governments to implement climate-smart projects.

In an era where climate change knows no borders, CCDA-XI sends a powerful message: African nations are uniting for global climate action. It’s a call to arms for collective action, innovative solutions, and solidarity in the face of a shared challenge. Africa’s destiny in the fight against climate change will be shaped by the discussions and commitments made at this conference. Together, we can bring about transformative change and safeguard our planet for generations to come.

The 11^th  CCDA  was organized by ClimDev Africa Partners in  collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry of the Government of Kenya and with the support of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA). The conference is one  series of  the technical segment of the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) hosted by the Government of Kenya from  September 4^th  to 6^th  September, 2023.