Reflecting on the African Climate Summit/Week: Voices of Activists
The inaugural Africa Climate Summit/Week, held from September 4-6, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme "Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World.”
This significant event convened African heads of state, African Union leaders, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, and academia at a crucial time when the dire impacts of climate change are intensifying, disproportionately affecting African and other developing nations despite their minimal carbon emissions.
In Southern Africa, cyclones have claimed lives and devastated communities, while prolonged droughts have pushed millions in East and West Africa to the brink of famine. Activists across Africa are rallying for action, especially leading up to COP28, demanding accountability from affluent, polluting nations to pay for the loss and damage inflicted by climate change.
Insights
Here are insights from some of our colleagues and partners who participated in the summit:
Rukia Cornelius
Rukia Cornelius, Project Lead for African Activists on Climate Justice at Oxfam Novib, highlighted the launch of the African Women and Gender Constituency as a standout moment for her: "African women and girls play a vital role as custodians of the land, nurturing lives and sustaining our communities. Our message is clear: our leaders must commit to prioritizing centering African women's leadership in climate action."
Zarafilou Zorome
Zarafilou Zorome, a national youth coordinator for environment and climate change in Burkina Faso, emphasized that "Climate justice is the bedrock of a just world for future generations. Our unwavering commitment and steadfast determination are the only paths to kindling a ray of hope in this battle."
Sylvie Somda
Sylvie Somda, a climate justice negotiator from Burkina Faso, stressed, "A just energy transition is not just an option; it's an imperative. It will ensure long-term sustainability, affordability, and environmental cleanliness."
Olumide Idowu
Olumide Idowu, climate justice activist and executive coordinator of the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change in Nigeria, said, "Africa must assume responsibility for its own development. We must tap into our local resources to shape our future and bolster our economy."
Abdilatif Omar
"While an unprecedented lack of rain, exacerbated by climate change, is causing extreme hunger, displacement, and inequality in my country, Somalia, the emergence of innovative solutions to tackle climate change in Africa offers a ray of hope. I urge our leaders to acknowledge and support local solutions in our mitigation and adaption plan," said Abdilatif Omar, the Executive Director of Action for Environment, Somalia.
Fatou Lagnane
“My participation at the summit was profoundly enriching. It was a pleasure to absorb numerous presentations and glean insights that can profoundly influence our innovative climate adaptation projects in Senegal. My message to our leaders is clear: prioritize local solutions. Indigenous local communities have proven, effective methods for adapting to climate change,” said Fatou Lagnane, an activist from Senegal.
These voices reflect the urgency and determination of activists to address the pressing climate challenges facing Africa and the world.
