The 13th edition of the Climate Change and Development in Africa Conference (CCDA-XIII) officially opened today in Addis Ababa.
It is convened under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Climate Action with Science, Finance, and Just Transition.” The three-day event brings together policymakers, scientists, negotiators, civil society, development partners, and private sector leaders to shape an African-led, evidence-based climate agenda.
Speaking on behalf of Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission (AUC), Jihane El Gaouzi, Head of the Sustainable Environment Division, emphasised the urgency and opportunity of the moment:
“This year’s CCDA comes at a pivotal time. The climate crisis is accelerating — but so is Africa’s determination to lead with solutions grounded in equity, innovation, and resilience.”
She highlighted the continent’s potential:
“Over the next few days, we will explore not only the vulnerabilities that shape our shared experience, but also the immense opportunities to transform Africa into a hub of green growth and sustainable development.”
Underscoring Africa’s leadership, she added that “Africa is not defined by climate risks — it is a continent of solutions, leadership, and youthful ambition. From scaling up climate finance to strengthening adaptive capacity and advancing homegrown research and technologies.CCDA-XIII is a platform for bold ideas and collaborative action. Let us make this conference a turning point — not just for dialogue, but for decisive progress.”
In remarks delivered on his behalf, Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), stressed the human cost of climate inaction:
“In 2024 alone, more than 110 million Africans were affected by climate disasters — floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These are not abstract statistics. They represent lives disrupted, dignity eroded, and futures compromised.”
He called for united action, stressing that despite contributing the least to global emissions, Africa pays the highest price. “That is why CCDA-XIII matters. This gathering must provide the scaffolding for Africa’s common position — equipping our leaders and negotiators with the evidence and solutions to stand tall in global climate diplomacy.”
Mwenda also praised Africa’s pioneering efforts, citing Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, among others, as a global model for reforestation.
Also addressing the conference, Richard Muyungi, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), stated that “Africa is entering a new phase — one driven by our ecological wealth, backed by our science, and asserting our sovereign rights to define our development trajectory. We stand not as victims, but as architects of just transitions.”
He emphasised the need for African-led data and research:
“Africa cannot afford to depend solely on externally driven models. Our science must guide decision-making, adaptation tracking, and inform the Global Goal on Adaptation.”
On climate finance, Muyungi believes that “Climate finance is not charity — it is a right, a duty, and a measure of trust. We call for a needs-based new finance goal, the doubling of adaptation finance, the full operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, and a reform of the global financial architecture to reflect Africa’s sovereign priorities.”
CCDA-XIII is jointly convened by the Climate for Development in Africa (ClimDev-Africa) initiative — a partnership between the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) — in collaboration with PACJA and other partners.
Over the next three days, participants will focus on enhancing climate resilience, driving inclusive green growth, and mobilising climate finance at scale, in alignment with the AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022–2032).
