The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is in Baku, Azerbaijan, to actively participate in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29), underscoring its commitment to championing Africa’s climate resilience and justice.
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) reaffirms its commitment to advancing Africa’s climate resilience and justice agenda as it takes part in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
As part of its engagement, today the Pan-African Parliament delegation, led by the President of the institution, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, held a significant side event under the theme: "Strengthening Africa’s Climate Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Strategies and Securing Climate Justice”. This platform brought together African parliamentarians, climate negotiators, policymakers, and international stakeholders to address Africa’s unique challenges in adapting to climate change while advancing the principles of climate justice.
Africa is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The continent faces worsening droughts, floods, and food insecurity, which threaten its development and livelihoods. In response, the Pan-African Parliament seeks to amplify Africa's voice at COP29 by advocating for robust climate finance, equitable adaptation strategies, and the inclusion of justice principles in global climate frameworks.
The side event explored the continent’s urgent adaptation needs in critical areas such as agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and public health while focusing on the importance of scaling up financial resources for resilience-building projects. Discussions also emphasized the need to integrate climate justice into international agreements, ensuring that African nations, that bear an unequal burden of climate change, receive equitable support. The event further highlighted the role of African parliamentarians in driving national adaptation plans and ensuring governments are held accountable for their climate commitments.
The President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, emphasized the significance of this moment, stating: "As we convene at COP29, Africa's call for climate justice is louder than ever. The Pan-African Parliament stands resolute in ensuring that Africa’s priorities are not just acknowledged but acted upon. This is a moment for the global community to demonstrate solidarity and deliver equitable solutions for a continent on the frontlines of climate change.Africa stands at the forefront of the climate crisis, not by choice but by circumstance. Despite contributing a mere 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, our continent suffers disproportionately from climate-induced disasters that threaten livelihoods and reverse decades of development progress,” said H.E. Chief Charumbira.
He highlighted the Pan-African Parliament’s pivotal role in shaping policies and fostering legislative action to address these challenges, citing the Model Law on Climate Change in Africa as a prime example. This framework, designed to harmonize climate governance across the continent, aims to bolster resilience, advance adaptation strategies, and integrate locally led initiatives into national policies. He called for COP29 to prioritize adaptation and loss and damage financing for Africa, which requires an estimated $53 billion annually by 2030 to meet its climate resilience needs.
The Pan-African Parliament aimed to achieve several outcomes through this engagement, including raising global awareness of Africa’s resilience and adaptation needs, securing increased climate finance tailored to African priorities, and fostering partnerships that reinforce Africa's Common Position on climate action. The discussions are expected to result in actionable recommendations that will advance Africa’s adaptation goals and strengthen its representation in the COP29 final agreements.
Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director at PACJA underscored the significance of these momentous two weeks at COP29. He declared these pivotal days will determine whether COP29 is a success or failure for Africa. Adaptation finance is the cornerstone of climate resilience.
“Any deal struck must deliver equitable, accessible climate finance that reaches the grassroots where the impacts of climate change are felt most. Community-driven initiatives are essential, but success requires the collective action of parliamentarians, civil society, and partners like PACJA, which has been instrumental in amplifying African voices,” said Dr. Mwenda.
The Pan-African Parliament delegation to COP29, led by H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, is made up of Hon. Sakata Garry, Chairperson of the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Hon. Abdallah Barkat Ibrahim, Vice-chair of the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Hon. Sulayman Saho, Rapporteur of the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Hon. Tafanana Zhou, Member of the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Hon. Yousef Mohamed Alfakhri, Member of the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Hon. Mahamat Saleh Ahmat Khayar, Rapporteur of the Committee on Rules; Hon. Laila Dahi, Member of Committee on Justice and Human Rights; and Hon. Khadija Arouhal, Member of the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disabilities.
