Legislators Call for Breaking Silos in Implementing Climate Change Commitments

Parliamentarians from across Africa are gathering in Abidjan to discuss their roles in implementing both international and national climate change commitments. This session is being held alongside the 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa.

The session aims to enhance awareness among parliamentarians about climate change commitments and facilitate the exchange of experiences on strategies and mechanisms used by various national parliaments to oversee and monitor climate change policies and initiatives.

Organized by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), the event seeks to share best practices among chairs and members of parliamentary commissions on the environment, climate change, agriculture, and natural resources across the continent.

During the opening session on September 1, 2024, speakers and participants emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address climate change impacts by enacting legislation that aligns with the continent’s needs and benefits.

Dr. Mithika Mwendahighlighted the critical role of parliamentarians in ensuring that climate change legislation and policies are effectively implemented. He remarked, “Often, work done at the global level remains at that level, and domestication becomes a challenge. Public policy does not end at formulation; it ends at implementation. Working with parliamentarians is crucial for achieving this.” He emphasized that for the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), climate change is a developmental issue encompassing energy transition, agriculture, and minerals.

Hon. Jacqueline Amongin from the East African Legislative Assembly reminded parliamentarians of their vital role in domesticating climate change laws and policies in their respective countries. “If we do not domesticate international climate change instruments, we render them invalid,” stated Hon. Amongin.

Ms. Daisy Mukarakate from UNDP warned that a lack of will to address climate change impacts will continue to affect African countries. “Climate change is no longer business as usual. If we do not adopt a long-term perspective, we will all sink. We must stay informed and ratify what we understand,” urged Mukarakate.

Through the African Climate Leadership Initiative (ACLI), PACJA has been collaborating closely with the Pan-African Parliament to advance climate policy and action discussions. In July, during debates on climate change issues and the activity report of the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources, both the Pan-African Parliament and PACJA underscored the urgent need for climate action and effective policy implementation.