Post-COP29 and Pre-SB62 Civil Society Consultative Engagement: Navigating the Road to Belém

As the global climate discourse shifts towards COP30, African civil society continues to play an instrumental role in shaping negotiations and amplifying grassroots priorities. On the heels of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) and in anticipation of the 62nd Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62), the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance (KPCG) participated in a high-level consultative engagement convened in Nairobi. The event was organized by ForumCiv, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Natural Justice, and a coalition of African CSOs.

The meeting brought together civil society leaders, climate negotiators, and technical experts to reflect on the outcomes of COP29 and strategize ahead of SB62. Faith Ngige, National Coordinator of KPCG, and Yusra Abdi, Gender Lead at PACJA, represented key voices in gender and governance across the continent.

Participants assessed key decisions from COP29, focusing on climate finance, carbon markets, adaptation, loss and damage, and gender equality. Despite mixed reactions from Parties, COP29 concluded with several notable outcomes:

Key Takeaways from COP29:

• New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance: Developed nations committed to mobilize at least $300 billion annually by 2035 for climate action in developing countries—a figure widely viewed as inadequate. A broader ambition was articulated in the Baku-Belém Roadmap, which aims to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually from public and private sources by 2035.
• Carbon Markets Finalized: After nearly a decade of negotiations, rules governing international carbon markets under Article 6 were finalized, paving the way for countries to use carbon trading mechanisms to meet their climate targets.
• Adaptation and Mitigation Frameworks: While the Mitigation Work Programme moved forward, it lacked strong integration of the Global Stocktake findings from COP28. Meanwhile, the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) gained momentum with the launch of the Baku Adaptation Roadmap and commitments to a high-level dialogue series.
• Loss and Damage Fund: Operational arrangements were finalized, allowing the fund to begin disbursing in 2025. However, the newly agreed NCQG fell short of explicitly earmarking resources for loss and damage.
• Gender and Indigenous Peoples: The Lima Work Programme on Gender was renewed for another ten years, signaling continued commitment to gender-responsive climate action. Additionally, the Baku Workplan on Indigenous Peoples was adopted, aiming to amplify Indigenous voices and protect traditional knowledge in climate responses.

Looking Ahead to COP30

While COP29 delivered several breakthroughs, it left unresolved questions around adequate finance, implementation frameworks, and equity in decision-making. The Nairobi consultative meeting emphasized the need for African CSOs to continue engaging with the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and other stakeholders to push for meaningful outcomes at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

Participants also underscored the importance of aligning regional strategies with global commitments and amplifying the role of civil society in accountability, transparency, and people-centered climate diplomacy.