ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 4, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
What: Conference-Debate of the “Fridays of the Commission”
Theme: “Toward Climate Justice for Africa”
Who: Department of Economic Affairs, AUC in partnership with OXFAM, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and Act Alliance.
When: Friday 6 November 2015
Time: From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Small Conference Room 2 of the AUC New Conference Building
Objectives: In the framework of the preparation of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) to be held in November 31st to December 11th, 2015 in Paris, France, this special session will:
Share perspectives on the essential elements of a new climate change agreement, and concrete proposals on climate adaptation financing
Bring forward evidence and voices from frontline communities facing climate change across Africa
Expected Outcomes:
The expected outcomes of the meeting are as follows:
Further the understanding of African priorities for climate change action and financing for adaptation
Enhanced visibility and identification of support for funding community-owned initiatives on renewable energy, agriculture investment.
Background:
Environmental degradation and adverse impacts of climate change continue to seriously affect the continent of Africa. Periodic droughts, flooding and the looming El-Niño are a few of the impacts that African people continue to face as result of climate change. 2015 is a critical year for global climate change negotiations. From November 30tht to December 11th, UN member states will be meeting in Paris, France to negotiate a new climate change treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol.
As one of the world’s most vulnerable continents to climate change, Africa must strategically be engaged in this process to secure a mutually beneficial deal that delivers the much needed support to enable its people to adapt to the negative effects of climate change, whilst crafting strategies to help deal with global warming levels as recommended by scientists – below 1.5°C. ACT Alliance, We-Have-Faith, PACJA and Oxfam International, and their member organizations, are – in partnership with the Africa Union Commission Department of Economic Affairs – organising a Friday of the Commission session entitled “Toward Climate Justice for Africa.
The event will showcase how various stakeholders – civil society, UN negotiators, faith leaders, Members of Parliament, and government representatives – are forging a partnership to ensure a strong COP21 outcome that will guarantee support to vulnerable communities in Africa.
Media representatives are invited to cover the meeting.
