Igniting Change: The Power of Collaboration at the Pan African Parliamentarians Summit on Climate Policy and Equity

The Pan African Parliamentarians Summit has become an instrumental platform for legislators, heads of state and governments, experts, practitioners, and leaders to convene and address the pressing issue of the ongoing climate crisis. In this pivotal moment, the global community recognizes the urgent need for concerted efforts and a united front to combat the challenges that lie ahead. Through robust dialogue, shared knowledge, and inspiring initiatives, the summit aims to shape the discourse on climate justice and drive tangible action.

At the heart of the third PAP Summit that taking place in Midrand, South Africa, from May 16-17 Parliamentarians, experts, practitioners, and leaders from diverse backgrounds engaged in robust discussions and shared their invaluable insights.

Speakers and participants urged Africa to speak with one voice a vision that resonates throughout the summit, fostering dialogue, sharing experiences, and consolidating perspectives, the summit endeavors to shape a united front for climate justice. This unity is crucial in driving policy changes and influencing global climate negotiations.

In his speech, the Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, Mithika Mwenda reiterated, “It’s not about sacrificing growth but redirecting it. We can have economic prosperity without compromising our environment. Let’s innovate, adapt, and adopt sustainable practices that nurture both our economy and our planet.”

Leadership plays a pivotal role in inspiring change and mobilizing collective action. The summit has witnessed remarkable speeches from esteemed individuals, with His Excellency William Ruto delivering a particularly memorable address. His articulate, powerful, and inspirational speech captivated the audience, igniting a renewed sense of urgency and determination.

He emphatically stated, “We finally have the answer to the dilemma and, with it, our way out of the thematic crossroads: Africa is the answer. If Africa is indeed the young, green continent of the future and the locus of the next industrial revolution, African solutions are no longer restricted to Africa’s problems; they also address humanity’s problems effectively.”

As legislators and heads of state and governments, their commitment to climate action becomes an inspiration for all. These leaders understand the magnitude of the challenge at hand and recognize the imperative to act swiftly and decisively. Speaking at the opening of the 2^nd day of the auspicious climate summit, the president of the Pan African Parliament H.E. Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira reminded the delegates, “We do not see this Summit in isolation, but rather, consider it as one of the major sectoral-thematic events leading to the Africa Climate Change Summit hosted by HE President Ruto and the African Union.”

The summit serves as a catalyst for exploring alternative development pathways that prioritize a zero-carbon future. It was observed that Africa has resources that can be used to address the challenges and find solutions with one voice as a continent. From this HE President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto who was the Keynote speaker President Ruto highlighted that Africa is full of abundant renewable energy potentials however historically this continent has been considered the most vulnerable land and seen through the lens of discussions about the problems.

“Our voices are limited and Africa is only discussed for problems. We do want to be in that corner. We want to be part of conversations for solutions. Our continent’s abundant wealth, youthful demographic profile, and increasing emerging market consist of what is required to reverse climate change and drive a green revolution. Solar wind and geothermal potential are superabundant. The paradox is that we are in the land of plenty, yet leaving in scarcity,” said HE William Ruto

H.E. President William Ruto recapped this and stated that “Another major opportunity for the continent is in carbon removal using hybrid solutions, including nature-based and technological solutions. Our continent has the potential to remove over 300 million tonnes of CO2 per year through nature-based solutions such as landscape restoration, reforestation, and mangrove forest protection and expansion.”

The speeches revered the engagement and meaningful engagement and participation of youth in the continent shedding light onto pontoon the need to continually build their capacities in the various thematic aspects of climate change. It is within this backdrop that the summit recognizes engagement of youth is indispensable in the journey towards climate justice.

Recognizing this, the PAP Climate Summit has actively sought to empower and involve young people in the discussions. The partnership established with universities, including the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, highlights this commitment. By equipping the next generation with the necessary knowledge and skills, we foster collective responsibility for climate action. The youth’s passion, innovative thinking, and determination inject fresh perspectives and drive transformative change. Their involvement amplifies the impact of our endeavors and ensures the sustainability of our efforts.