Solidarity and partnership took center stage at the commencement of the AACJ Global Coordination Meeting.

In the official opening of the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) Global Coordination Meeting in Addis, Ethiopia, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Chair of AACJ Project Governance Group (PGG), he expressed that the success of AACJ demonstrates the capability of the global south in finding effective solutions to emerging issues on the continent. He commended the seamless collaboration among consortium members that played a pivotal role in bringing AACJ to its current status.

The annual coordination meeting, which began on February 6, aimed to evaluate the progress, achievements, and future strategies for the project’s goals.

Before introducing the Project Governance Group (PGG) Members, Mr. Benson Simba, the AACJ coordinator of the AACJ Project Management Unit (PMU), reflected on the project’s inception and its progress to date. Mr. Benson noted that recommendations from last year’s Coordination Meeting resulted in active member engagement in influencing policies at the country level by collaborating with ministries and partners.

He highlighted the project’s success through joint advocacy and influencing processes in regional and global events, such as COP28 and the Africa Climate Summit. The members collaborated to amplify African voices and impact policymaking decisions. Mr. Benson informed participants that the project’s focus for the next year would be on strengthening the foundations of sustainable, inclusive, and climate-just movements in Africa. Thus, he underscored the critical role of partnership in achieving success.

Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Chair of PGG, reiterated the importance of partnership and the project’s contribution to advancing climate justice in Africa. He emphasized how consistent engagement with governments and fostering discussions among consortium members increased visibility and influence across the continent.

“We need to look beyond 2025 and move away from being project-driven. A strong foundation has been laid, and we must work together in solidarity to overcome the barriers of climate injustice,” urged Dr. Mithika.

In attendance at the event, including Ms. Martha Hutjes from Oxfam, collaboration among members was acknowledged. Ms. Hutjes expressed confidence in the consortium’s leadership and its ability to create success stories at both local and international levels.

Jelmer Van Veen, the first Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Ethiopia, recognized the consortium’s role in advancing climate justice. He emphasized the significant role that young people in Africa should play in climate justice processes, foreseeing an increase in understanding and innovations. Van Veen stressed the importance of technical partnerships, plans, and motivation from other groups, emphasizing that they are not fighting alone and need to collaborate with other organizations sharing the same goal.

The African Activists for Climate Justice Project, spearheaded by PACJA, unites five dynamic consortium partners – AYC, FEMNET, OXFAM NOVIB, NATURAL JUSTICE, and PACJA, each bringing unique strengths in youth mobilization, advocacy led by women, building resilient communities, amplifying African narratives, and locally-driven adaptation initiatives.