PACJA’s Engagement Highlights at COP29: Day 8

On November 18 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) showcased its unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s climate agenda during a series of impactful engagements on the sidelines of COP29.

Key Actions and Discussions:

1. Advocating for Equity in Global Climate Policies

PACJA held a powerful action demanding the reversal of the decision to host the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage in Geneva, Switzerland, advocating for Nairobi, Kenya, as the rightful host. This campaign underscores Africa’s centrality in global climate dialogues.

2. Launching the Pan-African Partnership on Climate and Health (PPCH)

Co-organized with Amref Africa, this initiative aims to integrate health into climate policies, raise awareness of climate-induced health challenges, and secure funding for Africa’s health priorities within climate finance mechanisms.

3. Prioritizing Children in Climate Policies

During an event at the Zambia Pavilion, panelists highlighted the lack of meaningful inclusion of children in climate policy processes such as NDCs and NAPs. Recommendations called for their active engagement as informed stakeholders, supported by increased child-specific climate finance.

4. Driving Equity in Carbon Markets 

A partnership-led discussion on carbon markets emphasized the need for trust, fairness, and inclusivity. Calls were made for Africa’s unified approach, local capacity building, and equitable representation of marginalized groups in climate initiatives.

5. Innovative Climate Finance Solutions

African Development Bank-led discussions centered on mobilizing resources for adaptation efforts. Grassroots involvement, direct funding mechanisms, and long-term strategies were identified as critical to bridging Africa’s climate finance gap.

Key Recommendations:

– Integrate children and youth as active participants in climate decisions.

– Align carbon market frameworks with African realities, ensuring community ownership.

– Prioritize long-term, needs-based financing over short-term interventions.

– Enhance inclusivity by empowering women, indigenous groups, and marginalized communities.

PACJA’s events reinforced Africa’s unified voice, demanding justice, equity, and resilience in the face of the climate crisis. These engagements serve as a rallying call for global collaboration tailored to African realities.  Read more here: DAILY Memento of PACJA Engagement – Day 8