Multistakeholder Consultative Forum Recommendations to the 37th AU Heads of States Summit on Strengthening Governance of Climate Action in Africa

The Multistakeholder Consultative Forum on COP28 Reflections and Strategy for COP29 culminated in a set of pivotal recommendations aimed at guiding the 37th AU Heads of States Summit on Strengthening Governance of Climate Action in Africa. This gathering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together leading pan-African and international stakeholders for two days of rigorous strategy building and reflections, producing a comprehensive statement to shape the continent’s climate governance and action.

The Climate Imperative: The forum’s recommendations underscore the critical juncture at which Africa stands in the face of the global climate crisis. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change, facing daunting developmental challenges. The participants welcomed the operationalization of the Loss and Damage fund and financial pledges at COP28, albeit noting the inadequacy of these commitments to meet the continent’s vast needs.

Strategic Recommendations for Governance and Action: The forum laid out a multifaceted approach to bolster Africa’s climate change governance and global negotiations influence. It called for a more central role by African leaders in climate governance, emphasizing the need for strengthened technical, political, financial, and evidence-generation capacities. Moreover, it advocated for a holistic approach to climate change, sustainable development, and addressing the debt burden, alongside reinforcing the role of ClimDev-Africa in generating relevant climate policies.

Galvanizing Climate Action towards COP29: With COP29 on the horizon, the forum stressed making adaptation and finance a priority, urging developed countries to commit to doubling climate finance for adaptation. Operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund and unlocking the impasse on climate finance were highlighted as urgent needs. Furthermore, it recognized the global clean energy transition as an unparalleled opportunity for Africa, calling for significant investments to address the energy access deficit and unlock the potential of critical minerals for sustainable development.

Catalyzing Climate Change and Education: The recommendations also emphasized the importance of integrating climate change education at all levels, advocating for the inclusion of children and youth in climate diplomacy. It highlighted the necessity of scaling up action in climate-triggered insecurities regions and addressing the complexities of carbon markets and transitional minerals to ensure they benefit Africa.