‘Champion for climate justice at global level,’ PACJA urges Pan-African Parliament

August 31st, 2023.

As the African Climate summit draws closer, PAP in partnership with PACJA has organized a subsequent Parliamentary Dialogue which aims at mobilizing and aligning the efforts of African legislatures and parliamentarians around the resolutions and recommendations on climate justice and equity as a means to influence the global climate agenda for a sustainable future for Africa and the world.

At the Sidelines of the Africa Climate Week, the dialogue  gives  effect to Pan-African Parliament’s Resolutions and Recommendations on Climate Policy and Equity . Speaking at the event in a  Nairobi hotel, PACJA said they advocate for a fair and equitable global climate regime that respects the rights and aspirations of African people. 

“I am honoured to address you today at this critical event ahead of the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week, which begin on Monday. As the Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), I would like to share our gratitude for the collaboration and engagement of African parliamentarians and PAP to the climate justice cause,” said  Dr Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA.

This gathering comes at a critical time when Africa is convening to hammer solutions to one of the most pressing challenges , being a vulnerable continent to the impacts of climate change, yet it contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

They also recommended the Pan-African Parliament for its leadership and commitment to advancing climate justice and equity in Africa and  appreciated parliament  resolutions and recommendations on various climate-related issues, such as renewable energy, climate finance, loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation, and human rights.

They also  proposed that the Pan-African Parliament should champion the cause of climate justice and equity at the global level. 

“We have suggested that the parliament engage with other regional and international parliamentary bodies, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the European Parliament, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, to build solidarity and consensus on key climate issues. We have also encouraged the parliament to amplify the voices of vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as women, youth, indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities, who are most affected by climate change.” Dr Mwendwa noted.

Africa is poised to host its inaugural Africa Climate Week from 4^th  September to 6^th, under the leadership of H.E Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). The Africa Climate Week aims to tackle the escalating challenges posed by climate change and the consequent global and continental ramifications.