The PACJA General Congress Sits to Shape the Roadmap for the Next Three Years

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The PACJA General Congress Sits to Shape the Roadmap for the Next Three Years

Over 150 delegates representing members of Pan African Climate Alliance (PACJA) from across the continent are sitting in Addis Ababa for the two-day 2^nd General Congress to shape the next direction of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance.

From February 13^th -14^th, the assembly will be discussing on achievements and discussing on future engagements of the alliance.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of PACJA, commended the General Congress and all committees for the strategic management and direction which have contributed to the current achievements and success of the alliance.

He said that over the past three years, a lot has been achieved through the creation of south -to south partnerships, building wholistic advocacy framework which has given impact at COP27 and others.

Among achievements attained, include capacity building of National Designated Platforms (DNPs). Hon. Christine Kaaya from Uganda recognized the role of PACJA in building capacity of communities, advocating for climate justice and supporting grassroots communities especially in Uganda.

She has been working with PACJA prior joining the parliament of Uganda.  She has been advocating for climate Change and   sits in the standing committees  of Climate change and Environment and Natural resources in the Parliament of Uganda.

“I can assure you that PACJA work has supported me to be at the forefront of the advocacy for the Climate Change and my journey continues,” proudly said Hon. Christine.

Though this year’s GC sitting looks at three years back, testimonies shared by partners have showed appreciation to PACJA’s work.  Ayele Kabede, the Regional Programme Manager for Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) said that they have seen PACJA growing in the last 11 years ago and that through the SIDA partnership with PACJA, a lot has been achieved in governance.

Currently Swedish Government   through SIDA, supports PACJA in Galvanizing and Unifying Africa’s Action for Resilient Development project (GUARD) in 12 African countries.

“We started the partnership with PACJA in 2020 with seed resources and it has increased with time. Now we are proud to see robust governance structure at all levels of PACJA”, said Kabede.

Amb. Seyni Nafo, the Coordinator of Africa Adaptation Initiative (AAI) appreciated the work accomplished by PACJA in the past years in areas of Climate Change and Climate Justice.

He said that “it is indisputable that PACJA is the outstanding continental Coalition of CSOs advocating for climate change and climate justice” before challenging PACJA to become climate facility by facilitating small grants at local level for climate action.

He has also commended the outcome of Nairobi Summer School which builds skills and knowledge of youth in matters of climate change and climate justice. He, however, urged that the school be scaled to various   areas of Climate change including Climate Science, and Climate action.

“We need to harness the knowledge and science resources that are in PACJA to influence policies.  So, you need to advocate, train and act. That is what I expect from PACJA because if you do not do that no one else can do,” said Amb. Seyni Nafo.

The General Congress (GC) is convened in accordance with Article 15.4 which stipulates that the Assembly shall meet in the ordinary session at least once in every three years. The last congress took place in 2018. However the one of 2021 couldn’t sit due to the quorum as many participant could not convene in Abuja  due to COVID restrictions.