Nairobi, Kenya – The Africa Climate Summit (ACS), scheduled to run from September 4th to 6th, 2023, has ignited passionate discussions within the climate change community. While the event’s theme, “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,” promises to address pressing environmental issues, some activists are voicing concerns that the Global North is disproportionately influencing the proceedings.
The ACS aims to be a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas on strategic matters, linking crucial problems like poverty, health, the environment, and trade, while also generating global debate and raising awareness about sustainability issues. One of its primary objectives is to issue the African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions, serving as a clarion call for African Union Member States and supporting partners to champion its implementation.
However, the debate surrounding the ACS centers on whether it truly represents African interests or is instead dominated by the Global North. Adow Mohammed, the Director at Power Shift Africa, an organization focused on mobilizing climate action in Africa, voiced concerns that over 60% of the summit’s side events are hosted by Global North organizations. This imbalance has raised questions about the summit’s intended focus and whether African voices are at the forefront of the discussions.
“The so-called ‘Africa’ Climate Summit kicks off on September 4th, but more than half of the side events, in fact, 62%, are being hosted by organizations from the Global North. Africa is at the forefront of the crisis. We need African-led solutions!” said Mr. Adow.
Mr. Adow asserts that the Global North’s attempt to dominate an event meant to find solutions to the African climate crisis is unacceptable, branding it as a form of neocolonialism. He emphasizes the need for African leadership in addressing climate challenges, given that African nations are among the most vulnerable and least responsible for the global climate crisis.
The ACS has the potential to be a platform that prioritizes and promotes the resilience of African communities, but activists like Mr. Adow argue that this goal can only be achieved if African voices are genuinely heard.
The summit aims to set a new ambition for Africa and foster partnerships with the rest of the world. It also serves as a forum to showcase progress, exchange perspectives, and establish common priorities for global discussions, including events such as the United Nations General Assembly, G20, World Bank Group meetings, International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, COP 28, and more.
Jibril Semakura Owomugisha, Uganda’s Representative to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–30 Platform, emphasizes that the summit’s role extends beyond climate issues. It provides a space for stakeholders to tackle interconnected problems such as poverty, health, the environment, and trade, thereby creating a global debate and raising awareness about sustainability issues.
Ms. Ireen Twongirwe, Executive Director at Women for Green Economy Movement Uganda, views the summit as an opportunity for activists to seek answers to the massive natural resource exploitation that has left Africa vulnerable to climate change catastrophes.
The Africa Climate Summit will bring together African Heads of State and governments, global leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, researchers, academia, and other stakeholders. It remains to be seen whether the concerns over Global North dominance will shape the agenda and outcomes of this crucial gathering.
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