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African Regional Dialogue on Loss and Damage
The 3rd African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage, held in Lilongwe, Malawi from March 20th to 22nd, 2024, brought together a significant gathering of over 200 delegates, including HE Joyce Banda, former president of Malawi, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change – Hon. Michael Usi, climate scientists, and representatives from civil society organizations. This event, organized by the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), and the Government of Malawi, alongside international partners like Trocaire, Oxfam, and CARE International, was a crucial platform for discussing the implications of COP28 decisions on Africa’s climate governance, technical support, and funding mechanisms.
Former President Joyce Banda of Malawi delivered a stirring message: “The time for action is now. Africa cannot wait any longer. The impacts of climate change on our communities are not just numbers or future predictions; they are the lived realities of millions. Our resolve must match the urgency of this crisis.”
Hon. Michael Usi, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts: “Climate change has underscored the interconnectedness of our world. It is a battle we can only win together, and it starts with acknowledging the disproportionate impact on Africa. Our strategies must be as dynamic as the challenges we face.”
The 3rd African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage, held in Lilongwe, Malawi from March 20th to 22nd, 2024, brought together a significant gathering of over 200 delegates, including HE Joyce Banda, former president of Malawi, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change – Hon. Michael Usi, climate scientists, and representatives from civil society organizations. This event, organized by the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), and the Government of Malawi, alongside international partners like Trocaire, Oxfam, and CARE International, was a crucial platform for discussing the implications of COP28 decisions on Africa’s climate governance, technical support, and funding mechanisms.
Former President Joyce Banda of Malawi delivered a stirring message: “The time for action is now. Africa cannot wait any longer. The impacts of climate change on our communities are not just numbers or future predictions; they are the lived realities of millions. Our resolve must match the urgency of this crisis.”
Hon. Michael Usi, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts: “Climate change has underscored the interconnectedness of our world. It is a battle we can only win together, and it starts with acknowledging the disproportionate impact on Africa. Our strategies must be as dynamic as the challenges we face.”
The discussions at the conference revolved significantly around the outcomes of COP28, particularly the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund. This initiative was hailed as a step in the right direction, yet many voiced concerns over its sufficiency and the mechanisms of its implementation. “The Loss and Damage Fund represents a beacon of hope for vulnerable communities. However, hope alone cannot rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, or bring back lost biodiversity. We need actionable commitments and transparent, swift implementation,” stated Gertrude Sieme of Caritas Zambia during one of the panel discussions.
The discourse at the conference was not confined to criticism but extended to constructive proposals for enhancing technical support, developing accessible funding mechanisms, and establishing robust governance structures. These discussions illuminated the path for Africa to not only cope with the impacts of climate change but also to influence the global climate governance framework actively.
A poignant declaration emerged from the conference, highlighting critical viewpoints and actionable steps for advancing the cause of climate justice and effectively addressing loss and damage within the African context. Among the salient points, the declaration criticized the decision to overlook Nairobi as the host city for the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage, advocating instead for its selection based on a comprehensive analysis by UNOPS-UNDRR, which had favored Nairobi over other candidates.
The conference underscored the necessity of aligning the global response to loss and damage with the principles of climate justice, emphasizing the importance of locally-led, people-centered frameworks for action. It also addressed the challenges of accessing funds, the urgency of building capacity, and the imperative of developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments transparently and accountably.
Moreover, the declaration called for the enhancement of the Loss and Damage Fund’s operational modalities and the development of stakeholder engagement strategies that are less bureaucratic and more responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities. A special emphasis was placed on the establishment of a Readiness Facility to aid countries and communities in preparing for and responding to climate-induced loss and damage.
