Eastern Africa Regional Consultation on engagement with UNFCCC Processes
Context:
The Eastern Africa region experiences heightened effects of climate change such as prolonged drought, food shortages that degenerate into famine in some areas, water stress and disasters such as floods and landslides resulting from violent torrential rains, although it is among the least emitters of destructive gases into the atmosphere. The region has other characteristics such as male dominated patriarchal customs and traditions which risk leaving women in all their diversities (youth, elderly, those living with disabilities) behind in the 2030 Agenda, unsustainable traditional methods of cultivation, livestock rearing and fisheries which destroy the environment and keep the population in abject poverty.
Owing to the high incidence of poverty, the population is powerless to negotiate with powerful countries who come in the name of trading but exploit their natural resources such as forests. Yet the region participates in climate discussions in uncoordinated ways and makes fragmented inputs that do not provide a good bargaining position for the region.
PART 1: Eastern Africa Regional Consultation on engagement with UNFCCC Processes – Workshop
Participant countries: Uganda, Madagascar, Seychelles, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Kenya
Venue(s): Kampala, Uganda
Goal of the exchange
The goal of the consultative workshop was to create a strategy to table climatic issues uniquely affecting the Eastern Africa region in UNFCCC discourse more effectively.
Specific objectives:
- Explain how the UNFCCC provides a framework for international cooperation to address climate change.
- Discuss the roles of the different governance bodies and negotiating groups under the UNFCCC.
- Explore the financial mechanisms set up under the UNFCCC.
- Examine the key adaptation milestones set up under the UNFCCC including the Paris Agreement and its non-market mechanisms for climate change adaptation.
- Review negotiation skills and techniques to foster collective objectives for negotiating groups under the UNFCCC.
Summary of the exchange:
The South-to-South Exchange program, under their Climate Action Africa Initiative, funded the Eastern Africa Regional Consultation on engagement with UNFCCC Processes. The main objective was to provide a platform for stakeholders interested in climate negotiations to tease out the region’s climate concerns to advance at SB58 and COP28.
The Eastern Africa Regional Consultation on engagement with UNFCCC Processes took place at Hotel Africana, Kampala on 26-27 May 2023. With financial support from the government of Canada and technical support from ALINEA, it brought together 30 participants from Somalia, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Madagascar, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi.
Outcomes
The participants have gained the understanding of the structure of the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) / COP. They have been enlightened on the negotiations, what is being negotiated, who is negotiating. The participants learned what constituted climate finance, who has access to it, how difficult or easy it is to access, the status of the much talked about and controversial US$100 million, the loss and damage of financial facilities.
Part 2
Enhanced participation of Africa’s Local Community Stakeholders in UNFCCC Processes – COP28
Participating countries: Uganda
Venues: COP 28, Dubai Nov 30-Dec 12, 2023
Goal of the exchange :
To provide participants with the opportunity to learn through being physically present at the negotiations, side events, and other activities. Specifically, this includes:
- Exposure to the UNFCCC processes, governance, opportunities like climate finance, partnerships as observers, etc.
- Impartation of negotiation skills and techniques
- Real life testimonies of hands–on and lived experiences.
- Networking and establishing partnerships in the spirit of SDG 17
Outcomes:
Participants (including local community women) have strengthened awareness and capacity to negotiate and advocate in the UNFCCC processes. Networks were formed and/or strengthened among participants including local community women and other regional and global actors working for climate and gender justice. Amplified position of local women from East Africa in UNFCCC process and in networks.
