PACJA shares its perspective on developing a successful third-generation NDC strategy

Today April 22 2013  marks the official start of the  10^th  Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On the first day of the Regional Forum, there were Climate Talks that brought together representatives from various institutions and partners including UNECA, the University of Addis Ababa, the Swedish embassy in Addis Ababa, Clim-Dev Africa, AfDB, the African Union Commission, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), and Former President of Malawi, H.E Dr Joyce Banda.

During the talks, the participants discussed climate change and development in Africa, focusing on third-generation NDCs (NDC 3.0) and just transitions for Africa. Dr Mithika Mwenda reminded the participants that NDCs are practical vehicles for climate action in our countries. He applauded the bold actions demonstrated by African countries to meet their commitments.

Dr. Mithika emphasized that NDCs are conditional, premised on the flow of financial support from developed countries to less developed countries, consistent with the Paris Agreement. He stressed that it would only be fair to measure successful implementation based on the financial support each country has received from industrialized countries.

Dr. Mithika thanked various partners, including the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Climate Funds National Designated Authorities Network (AFDAN), for their efforts in availing real-time data to enable tracking of the progress in climate finance delivery. James Kinyangi of AfDB announced a $5 million investment towards climate initiatives in Africa.

Part of the discussion agenda was Trends in Financing Climate Action and Implications for Financing NDC 3.0. Climate action accountability was raised as an urgent driver to ensure successful third-generation NDCs (NDC 3.0) and just transitions for Africa. Former President of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda emphasized the urgent need for action and accountability in addressing climate change. She highlighted the historical injustices faced by Africa due to the exploitation of its resources and called for concrete steps rather than mere pledges.

The fifth Africa Climate talks revolved around four key points: reflection on the first Global Stock Take (GST) outcome and the next move for Africa; Post 2023 GST, and how the new generation of NDCs can contribute to progressive climate action; recent trends in financing climate action: Implications for Financing NDC 3.0; delivering Progressive NDC 3.0 Just Transitions and open mic general discussion among participants of the event.

Click here to read the full opening statement made by Dr. Mithika Mwenda, PACJA