CCDA plays a critical role in the face of diminishing civil society space

Nairobi, 04 September 2023 (ECA) - In a world facing the imminent threats of climate change, Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads. Climate change has evolved from a distant threat to an immediate reality, demanding our immediate attention according to Mwenda Mithika,  the Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) at the  11th CCDA conference.

In his remarks at the opening of CCDA-XI Mr. Mithika, emphasized the critical role of CCDA in the face of diminishing civil society spaces across Africa. He called for collective action, stating, “In our pursuit of climate action, let us demonstrate global solidarity, for together, we can bring about transformative change.”

He noted that the CCDA-XI conference is not just another gathering of experts. It is a crucial forum for shaping the future of climate action in Africa. With representatives from various sectors and countries, the conference aims to produce detailed analytical data-driven and evidence-based recommendations on critical subthemes related to climate change.

Anna Tjarvar, Counsellor/Programme Manager at the Embassy of Sweden Regional Africa, Ethiopia, underscored the urgency of our response to the climate crisis. She expressed Sweden’s unwavering commitment to supporting climate-related projects in Africa. “The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality that requires our immediate attention,” Tjarvar emphasized.

These recommendations will contribute to the outcome statements for African Heads of State, ultimately guiding Africa’s role in the global fight against climate change, including the upcoming UNFCCC COP28 in the United Arab Emirates.  Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary-General of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa highlighted the organization’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa through climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. He stressed the importance of aligning national climate commitments with local realities and empowering local governments to implement climate-smart projects.

Issued by:

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Economic Commission for Africa

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