In the ever-evolving landscape of climate change negotiations, Africa has continued to assert its presence through the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), with the technical support of the AGNES. At the heart of this support system is the Consolidation of Evidence workstream, which has proven instrumental in reshaping Africa’s approach to global climate discussions.
Elevating Africa’s Climate Negotiations
Climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) require not only political commitment but also a foundation of solid scientific evidence. Africa, as one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change impacts, needs a strong and unified stance to ensure that its concerns are addressed. The AGN, mandated to represent the interests of the African Union (AU) Member States, has been pivotal in advocating for increased adaptation measures, pushing for climate finance from developed nations, and addressing Africa’s unique vulnerabilities in global climate discussions.
To support these efforts, AGNES has been providing critical technical expertise, with the Consolidation of Evidence workstream serving as the intellectual backbone for negotiations. Through this initiative, AGNES synthesizes peer-reviewed scientific data and policy recommendations to prepare common African positions, equipping negotiators with compelling and well-supported arguments during climate talks.
Impact of Evidence Consolidation
The effectiveness of this workstream has been evident in several key successes. One of the most notable achievements is the adoption of the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA), which highlights the importance of agriculture in climate discussions. By presenting robust scientific evidence on the impact of climate change on African agriculture, AGNES played a significant role in influencing negotiations, ensuring that Africa’s agricultural priorities were integrated into global climate frameworks.
Similarly, AGNES’ work on the Gender Action Plan (GAP) has reinforced Africa’s position on gender-responsive climate action. By consolidating research on the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and marginalized communities, the workstream has enabled African negotiators to advocate for stronger gender-inclusive policies within the UNFCCC framework.
Beyond these successes, the workstream has also strengthened the technical capacities of African experts, institutions, and governments. Through research, policy briefs, and knowledge-sharing platforms, AGNES has fostered collaboration between negotiators and scientific communities, ensuring that Africa’s climate positions are informed by the best available science.
A Model for Future Climate Negotiations
As climate negotiations become increasingly complex, Africa’s ability to influence global decisions will depend on the depth of its technical preparation.
Through the consolidation of evidence, African negotiators are not only better equipped to engage in climate talks but are also shaping the global climate agenda to reflect Africa’s needs and priorities.
