In November 2024, I had the privilege of participating in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the Women Leadership in Climate Change Program supported by AGNES, the African Development Bank, and the Climate Investment Fund. I joined nine other women leaders from across Africa to explore innovative strategies, challenges, and opportunities in tackling climate change. Here are the lessons learnt, and perspectives gained during the transformative event, COP29.
Key Insights from COP 29
Women in Climate Action
It is essential to transition women from passive beneficiaries to active leaders in climate advocacy, particularly as women currently constitute only 30% of negotiation participants. This will go along way in ensuring that we achieve equitable outcomes in climate action. Women-led organizations like WECAN and The Gaia Foundation highlight the critical role of grassroots leadership in advancing climate justice, with indigenous women’s active participation in negotiations paving the way for more inclusive and effective solutions. Further, tools developed by the Gender and Environmental Data Alliance (GEDA) help bridge knowledge gaps by addressing the gendered impacts of climate change, fostering greater transparency and informed decision-making.
Innovations in Climate Adaptation
Agrivoltaic systems, exemplified by projects led by UNU, integrate solar energy generation with rainwater harvesting to boost agricultural productivity while mitigating the effects of heat stress. Successful implementations in Mali and The Gambia underscore their transformative potential. Similarly, precision irrigation techniques utilizing soil sensors and early warning systems in local languages have proven effective in enhancing resilience. Scaling these innovations requires collaboration among researchers, innovators, beneficiaries, and policymakers. By adopting localized approaches supported by robust institutional frameworks and capacity-building initiatives, these solutions can be made accessible to marginalized communities, fostering sustainable development and climate resilience.
Challenges in Climate Finance
Climate finance must transition from loan-based models, which impose unsustainable debt burdens on the global south, to grant-based funding that directly supports marginalized communities. Ensuring direct financial access is crucial for fostering sustainable adaptation efforts. Participatory approaches, which actively involve local communities in project design, capacity building, and financial inclusion, have proven successful in initiatives like the Adaptation Fund and the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) small grant programs. These models highlight the importance of empowering communities as key stakeholders in climate resilience and adaptation strategies.
Perspectives for the Future
Preparing for COP30
Building on the lessons from COP 29, I aim to better prepare for COP30 in Belem, Brazil, by analyzing negotiation strategies and refining advocacy plans.
Strategic Engagement in Climate Finance
Gaining a deeper understanding of the nuances of negotiation processes is essential for making impactful contributions to discussions on climate finance. By thoroughly investigating and aligning with my country’s stance, I can strengthen my role in international negotiations, ensuring that national priorities are effectively represented and advanced in global decision-making forums.
Scaling Technological Solutions
Tackling challenges like increased water availability and farm flooding necessitates investments in adaptive crop varieties, effective drainage systems, and community-based water management strategies. Strengthening institutional capacity and raising awareness through targeted programs are equally critical to empowering marginalized groups, enabling them to access and implement climate-resilient solutions effectively.
A Call to Action
The experiences at COP 29 reaffirm the importance of inclusive leadership, innovative solutions, and community-driven action in tackling climate change. Empowering marginalized women to lead the charge is not just an ethical imperative—it is a practical necessity for building resilience in the face of global climate challenges. Together, we can forge a sustainable future for all.
