As the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) opens on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, the African Civil Society, civil society organisations coalesced under the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), have released their demands and asks on climate finance for key climate issues facing the continent.
With COP29 dubbed the “Climate Finance COP,” African civil society leaders are urging a focus on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to achieve substantial and equitable financing solutions for climate action.
In a consolidated declaration, African CSOs highlighted the urgent need for global commitments on adaptation, just transition, critical minerals, mitigation, and transparency in carbon markets.
“We call for the establishment of an ambitious sub-goal for adaptation finance that prioritises public, grant-based support for developing countries, responding to needs outlined in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and other national plans,” reads the statement.
Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, emphasised that COP29’s NCQG negotiations must address Africa’s pressing adaptation needs as well as Loss and Damage.
“If the NCQG fails to consider the adaptation needs of vulnerable populations, COP29 will not meet the threshold to be a genuine Climate Finance COP,” he stated.
The adaptation finance gap for developing nations remains significant – currently 10 to 18 times greater than actual international financial flows, which amount to approximately $20 billion per year. This falls well short of the estimated $166 billion – $366 billion needed annually to meet adaptation demands.
Obed Koringo, Climate Policy Advisor at Care International, pointed to the critical need for measurable progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).
“Despite ongoing discussions, tracking adaptation progress remains challenging. We advocate for the GGA to become a permanent agenda item, with clear indicators to drive action,” he noted, stressing that effective implementation must be a top priority.
Youth advocate Elisabeth Wathuti, a Kenyan environment and climate activist and founder of the Green Generation Initiative, also stressed the importance of meaningful youth engagement in climate negotiations, highlighting that the continent’s young population must play an active role in shaping climate solutions.
“The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of taking action. We need clear outcomes on adaptation and Loss & Damage at COP29 to protect vulnerable communities and build resilience,” Wathuti emphasised.
As the COP29 discussions begin, African Civil Society called upon world leaders to prioritise adaptation, Loss & Damage, and a just transition that meets the urgent needs of African communities on the frontlines of climate change.
The key demands and asks echoed by African civil society touched on pressing needs including, adaptation, climate finance, just energy transition and critical minerals, mitigation, loss and damage, carbon markets, transparency and reiteration of Africa as a region of Special Needs and Circumstances.
Prof. Seth Osafo, Senior Legal Advisor at AGN, said that it’s hard to talk about the New Collective Quantified goals leaving behind considerations of other dimensions.
“We must reimagine the quality of finance, moving beyond debt-based approaches – currently at 72% – to include concessional loans, grants, and innovative financing mechanisms. Additionally, funding must be accessible, predictable, and structured to prioritise essential sub-goals, including Loss and Damage, while aligning on whether a single-layer or multi-layer approach best serves the mobilisation and provision of funds,” Prof Osafo stated.
The convening was facilitated by the Azerbaijan NGO forum in an effort of solidarity. Ms. Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director, Azerbaijan State NGO Agency, and Member of COP29 Organisational committee, appreciated the efforts made and promised that African CSOs will get the opportunity to articulate their pressing issues and raise the voice of communities at the frontline of crisis during COP29.
