COP28: PACJA Calls for Rethinking the Multilateral Process to Meet Pledged Climate Finance

It has become a tradition that at every Conference of Parties, African Countries come together to think about Africa’s progress and commitment to positioning the continent in the global climate conversation.

Convening under Africa Day, the event brings together African Heads of State and Government, principals of regional institutions, ministers, researchers, leaders in the private sector and financial institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and various stakeholders to share common concerns and re-iterate Africa’s positions and requirements for a successful COP.

On December 2, 2023, on the sideline of COP28, Heads of state, UNECA Executive Secretary, AU Chairperson, Ministers, and distinguished dignitaries graced the event themed “Scaling up Financing for Climate Action and Green Growth in Africa.

Speaking at the event, Dr Mithika Mwenda reminded us that the climate Finance pledges made by developed countries have been utopian for years and hence Africa needs to learn from that experience.

“When we ask ourselves where the big money committed and reported in COPs, and which is never seen by smallholder women farmers and pastoralists and indigenous people in our countries and communities, it gives us an answer, that the money remains in Paper, and there is no indication that we will ever see it unless we rethink this multilateral process,” said Dr Mithika Mwenda.

Recently a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that it has delivered its USD100B per year as committed in 2009. At the onset of COP28, leaders reiterated the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, and some parties such as France, and UAE committed money to put in the basket.  On this, Mithika cautioned African countries not to celebrate the reported US460 Million promised by various Parties because such pledges were made and remain unmet until today.

“We wish to caution Parties not to fall into a celebratory mood yet. Look at the complicated manner in which the delivery framework has been designed. Is it schemed to fail? Only time will tell. In addition, let’s ask ourselves what the money pledged can achieve”, cautioned Dr Mithika Mwenda. Read the full Remarks by Dr. Mithika here.