Background
The 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded on 24 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking several landmark decisions to advance global climate action. With significant updates expected on the different processes under the Paris Agreement, including the global goal on adaptation, National Adaptation Plans, Adaptation financing and support to the work of adaptation-related constituted bodies such as the Adaptation Committee and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, it is essential to translate these outcomes into actionable insights for regions highly vulnerable to climate change, such as East and Southern Africa.
This region faces significant challenges such as increased extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and unpredictable rainfall patterns that disrupt agriculture and threaten water resources, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people. As global attention on adaptation grows, COP 29 outcomes provided important opportunities for countries in East and Southern Africa to access climate finance, forge stronger international partnerships, and implement effective adaptation strategies. This post - COP29 webinar Series on adaptation and finance provide regional stakeholders an inclusive platform to unpack key decisions' implications, discuss regional priorities, and strategize implementation pathways.
The webinar, co-organized by the Regional Collaboration Centre for East and Southern Africa (RCC EAS Africa) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), is scheduled for 13 February, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM EAT (UTC+3).
Objectives
The webinar series aims to:
- Highlight COP29 outcomes on adaptation and resilience, particularly focusing on the global goal on adaptation and adaptation financing including region-specific opportunities and challenges.
- Foster a shared understanding of key outcomes among regional stakeholders and guide parties and non-party stakeholders on the appropriate next steps.
- Identify capacity for implementing COP29 decisions, particularly for climate-vulnerable nations and communities.
- Strengthen regional collaboration and partnerships for enhanced climate action post-COP29.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced stakeholder understanding of COP29 outcomes on Adaptation and Finance.
- Actionable policy recommendations for integrating outcomes into national and regional strategies.
- Understanding of adaptation financing access and opportunities for accelerate adaptation efforts in the East and Southern Region.
- Building capacity for effective participation in Adaptation and building resilience.
Target Audience
- Government representatives and policymakers from East and Southern Region
- UN Country Teams.
- Regional Centers and Organizations.
- Civil society and non-governmental organizations.
- Private sector and businesses.
- Youth, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and academic institutions.
Summary
The webinar successfully attracted 103 participants from a range of countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda. Attendees represented various sectors, including governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, academia, and regional institutions, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change challenges. The webinar featured a series of insightful presentations that addressed critical COP 29 outcomes themes:
- National Adaptation Plans (NAPs): Ms. Nokwanda Mgwaba emphasized the need for countries to expedite the formulation and submission of NAPs by 2025, urging them to seek assistance from relevant organizations.
- Loss and Damage Mechanism: Ms. Manon Robin discussed the Warsaw International Mechanism for loss and damage, highlighting recent developments and their implications for vulnerable nations. She noted that discussions on the 2024 joint annual report would continue at SB62 in June and at COP 30.
The event had an interactive panel that included experts such as Ms. Dalia Hashweh, Mr. David Kaluba, and Prof. John Baptist Kaddu who shared diverse perspectives on the implications of COP 29 outcomes. Notable insights included:
- The introduction of the UAE Belem Work Programme on Indicators, aimed at measuring adaptation progress.
- The necessity for support programs that address gaps in formulation and implementation of National adaptation Plans.
- The importance of innovative financing mechanisms and the role of various financial institutions in resource mobilization.
Participants engaged in lively discussions, raised questions about access to financing, collaboration mechanisms, and the inclusivity of initiatives like NAP 3.0.
Key Takeaways
The webinar concluded with several actionable recommendations:
- Urgent Action Required: Countries in East and Southern Africa need to prioritize the submission of NAPs that reflect countries efforts in tackling climate challenges.
- Collaboration is Key: Strengthening partnerships among stakeholders, including governments and NGOs, is essential for successful adaptation initiatives.
- Innovative Financing Needed: The adaptation finance landscape requires new funding sources to ensure resources reach those most affected by climate change.
- Monitoring and Reporting: The development of clear indicators will enhance countries' capacities to monitor and report on adaptation progress effectively.
- Capacity Building: Continued support for capacity building is crucial for countries to develop robust project proposals and implement their adaptation plans.
Conclusion
The webinar underscored the importance of ongoing engagement and collaboration in climate adaptation efforts. Participants were encouraged to leverage insights gained from the discussions to drive concrete actions and mobilize resources effectively. The event served as a valuable platform for dialogue, setting the stage for continued efforts to address climate change challenges in East and Southern Africa.
As the region moves forward, maintaining the momentum generated by this webinar will be vital to ensure that stakeholders are well-equipped to respond to the challenges posed by climate change. The commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices will be crucial for enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate impacts in the region.
