The National Conference on Financing Locally-Led Climate Action

It kicked off with a resounding call for creative solutions to address the challenges of ensuring climate finance reaches the communities that need it most, particularly at the local level. Dr. Mithika Mwenda, one of the esteemed speakers at the opening session, emphasized the need for commitment from all partners, including governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs), to make this commitment visible and define a clear path forward.

Dr. Mithika Mwenda’s words echoed throughout the conference, setting the tone for a transformative dialogue on climate finance. The conference brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, each with their unique perspectives and experiences, all united by a shared commitment to ensuring climate finance benefits those on the front lines of the climate crisis.

Susan Otieno, the Executive Director of Action Aid, shed light on the importance of ownership in community-led climate action. She emphasized the need for climate financing processes that ensure ownership and are inclusive of women and those who may not have land ownership. In her view, open information sharing is essential for community-led local initiatives to thrive. Ms. Otieno stressed that enhancing participation requires support and transparency.

H.E. Wilbur Otichillo, the Chair of the Council of Governors Environment & Climate Change Committee and Governor of Vihiga County, highlighted the significance of inclusive climate change laws. His remarks underscored the importance of including marginalized communities and groups in the decision-making processes related to climate change.

The conference attendees were inspired by these powerful messages from the opening session’s speakers. It became evident that creative and inclusive approaches to climate finance distribution were not only desirable but also essential. The following themes emerged during the conference:

The central theme of the conference was empowering local communities. Dr. Mithika Mwenda’s call for a commitment to reaching and accessing climate finance at the grassroots level resonated deeply. It was evident that the traditional top-down approach to climate finance was no longer sufficient. Instead, participants explored innovative methods to ensure that resources reached the communities who needed them most.

Susan Otieno’s emphasis on ownership and inclusivity brought a fresh perspective to the discussion. Participants recognized that true climate action required the active involvement of women and those who might not have conventional land ownership. The conference became a platform for brainstorming mechanisms and processes that allowed women and marginalized groups to participate meaningfully and transparently.

H.E. Wilbur Otichillo’s insights highlighted the importance of policy changes. He underscored the significance of inclusive climate change laws that ensure the voices of marginalized communities are heard in shaping the nation’s response to the climate crisis.

The National Conference on Financing Locally-Led Climate Action was not just a gathering of experts; it was a creative space where ideas flourished and commitments were strengthened. The opening session set the stage for an impactful conference where participants explored innovative approaches to ensure climate finance reached the communities who needed it most. As a collective, they recognized that the challenges of climate finance distribution could be overcome through commitment, ownership, inclusivity, and policy change. The creative solutions generated at the conference laid the foundation for a more equitable and resilient future in the face of the climate crisis.