Shaping Sustainable African Cities: Climate Justice and Urban Resilience at the Inaugural Africa Urban Forum

The Inaugural Africa Urban Forum (AUF), held from 3rd to 6th September 2024 at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, stands as a vital milestone in the continent’s ongoing dialogue on sustainable urban development. This forum, which reflects the collaborative commitment of the African Union Commission and its member states, is rooted in the growing need to address Africa’s rapid urbanization. Established in 2022, the AUF seeks to create a platform for fostering inclusive and comprehensive strategies to harness the opportunities urbanization presents while addressing its accompanying challenges.

Urbanization in Africa is happening at an unprecedented pace, bringing with it unique opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and infrastructural development. However, it also poses significant challenges, particularly in the context of climate change, resource management, and equitable urban planning. The AUF serves as a hub for critical conversations, policy frameworks, and partnerships necessary to steer African cities toward sustainable, resilient futures.

One of the central discussions at AUF 2024 revolved around how African cities can effectively tackle the growing climate crisis while amplifying and promoting local solutions. On Thursday, 5th September 2024, a key side event was convened by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and Habitat for Humanity, focusing on the theme: *How can African cities effectively address urgent climate challenges amidst growing urbanization while amplifying and promoting local solutions?*

The event drew an array of stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, civil society organizations, and community representatives, to collaboratively explore the pressing climate-related challenges facing African cities. The dialogue centered on the integration of climate justice principles into urban planning, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind as cities across the continent strive to become more climate-resilient.

During a panel discussion with partners from the Africa Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), University of Lagos, and PACJA, the discourse spotlighted efforts to promote climate justice and urban sustainability. PACJA’s role in the Just Energy Transition, specifically through initiatives such as the Six30 campaign, was emphasized. The campaign focuses on reducing urban energy consumption by advocating for energy-efficient technologies and practices, crucial as cities consume over two-thirds of generated power. This initiative plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainable energy use in urban settings.

Other key initiatives presented included PACJA’s advocacy around circular economy models and community engagements through its DNPs (Designated  National Platforms). These initiatives contextualize local actions and messages within global frameworks like the Global Stocktake process, emphasizing the integration of climate finance and adaptation efforts into urban settings.

Notably, the forum also discussed the importance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0 in elevating climate ambition, strengthening inclusion, and accelerating implementation across African cities. Building capacity among young people, as exemplified by the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, was also highlighted as critical to fostering a new generation of climate-conscious urban planners and leaders.

Furthermore, PACJA’s work on Climate and Health, emphasizing the need for resilient health systems powered by renewable energy, was underscored as essential to urban resilience. The forum also provided an opportunity to showcase PACJA’s efforts in convening civil society actors, exemplified by its leadership in last year’s African Climate Summit (ACS).

The AUF also serves as a precursor to the upcoming World Urban Forum, scheduled for November 2024 in Cairo, Egypt. This global platform will further elevate the discussions initiated at the AUF, bringing urban resilience and climate action to the forefront ahead of COP 29. PACJA will continue its advocacy through a side event titled *Transforming Urban Futures: Data, Climate Justice, and Community Co-Production*, contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable urban futures.

The Africa Urban Forum marks a critical juncture in addressing the intersection of urbanization and climate resilience, setting the stage for future collaboration and action toward more sustainable African cities.