As the world gears up for COP29, set to take place in Azerbaijan, Africa is particularly preparing to bring its collective voice and unique perspectives to the negotiation table. A key event in this process is the Pre-COP29 Strategy Meeting organized by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), which will take place from September 24-27, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. This pivotal meeting is designed to craft and solidify Africa’s common position, particularly focusing on critical areas like the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), climate finance, and gender considerations. But what exactly is on the roadmap, and how will African negotiators shape discussions in the lead-up to COP29?
Key Objectives: Strengthening Africa’s Voice
The Pre-COP29 strategy meeting brings together a diverse group of experts, negotiators, and parliamentarians to advance the African agenda on climate change. The primary objectives include:
- Scaling Climate Innovations: Africa is at the forefront of climate impacts, especially in sectors like agriculture that are highly sensitive to climate variability. Therefore, scaling up climate innovations that enhance the resilience of communities is a top priority. This involves strengthening the capacity of negotiators and experts to push for climate adaptation solutions at both national and international levels.
- Addressing Transboundary Climate Adaptation Risks (TCARs): The interconnected nature of climate risks across national boundaries demands a coordinated regional strategy. African negotiators will focus on ensuring that TCARs are embedded in global discussions and receive adequate attention in international climate policies.
- Operationalizing the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): At COP29, one of the central focuses will be operationalizing the GGA, a framework designed to enhance global climate resilience. The GGA covers key areas like water, agriculture, and health, all of which are deeply intertwined with Africa’s climate vulnerabilities.
- Negotiating the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG): Securing financial resources is essential for African countries to implement their climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The upcoming meeting will explore options for setting short, medium, and long-term goals for climate finance and ensure that Africa’s priorities are reflected in the final agreement at COP29.
- Supporting Parliamentary Engagement: Parliamentarians have a critical role in implementing climate policies at the national level. The Pre-COP29 meeting will offer a platform for parliamentarians to develop their own roadmap for engagement and advocacy in the lead-up to COP29.
Crafting a Unified African Position
One of the most significant outcomes expected from the Nairobi meeting is a consolidated African position on key negotiating points. African countries often face common climate challenges but may have varying national interests. By bringing together negotiators from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other African nations, the goal is to form a united front. This common position will not only empower African negotiators to advocate for climate justice but will also enhance the continent’s leverage in global climate talks.
Focus on Gender and Inclusivity
Gender considerations will also play a central role in the upcoming discussions. Women and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly in Africa. The strategy meeting will include a dedicated segment on gender, aiming to ensure that policies developed in the run-up to COP29 are inclusive and address the specific vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in the region.
The Road Ahead: Shaping COP29 and Beyond
While COP29 in Azerbaijan is the immediate goal, the work being done at the Pre-COP29 meeting is setting the foundation for Africa’s long-term climate strategy. Negotiators will focus on not only securing short-term wins at COP29 but also on developing frameworks that align with the broader goals of the Paris Agreement, including long-term climate resilience and sustainability.
As the clock ticks towards COP29, African negotiators and experts are preparing to play a pivotal role in shaping global climate policies. The Pre-COP29 Strategy Meeting in Nairobi will be a key moment for Africa to solidify its vision and ensure that its voice is heard loud and clear on the global stage.