She is a marine biologist and conservationist. She is a co-founder, Team Lead and Head of Communication at TunSea- Tunisia’s forst citizen science NGO focused on marine sciences. She is a member of the Tunisia Young Climate Change Negotiations Group focusing on agriculture and food negotiations, ensuring inclusion of youth inclusion and representation.
Climate negotiations have long been perceived as spaces dominated by high-level policymakers, technical experts, and seasoned diplomats. But as a young African woman navigating these corridors, I see a different reality unfolding—one where youth voices are breaking barriers and women are stepping up as key players in shaping policy decisions.
My journey in climate governance has been shaped by my deep-rooted passion for environmental conservation and a commitment to ensuring that Africa’s needs are front and center in global climate discussions. Through initiatives like the Empowering Women’s Leadership in Climate Governance Programme, supported by AGNES and its partners, I have had the opportunity to be part of these crucial dialogues, advocating for youth inclusion, gender equity, and just climate policies.
Participating at the AGNES Pre-SB62 Strategy Meeting
Recently, I participated in the Pre-SB62 (62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies) Strategy Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, a pivotal moment in Africa’s climate policy roadmap towards SB62 and ultimately COP30 in Brazil. Among the key topics I followed closely was agriculture negotiations—a sector that is the backbone of African economies and livelihoods yet remains highly vulnerable to climate change.
Keen Focus on the Agriculture Negotiation stream at pre-SB62
In recent years, discussions on agriculture within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have gained significant momentum. With climate change, biodiversity loss, and water crises escalating, agriculture is no longer a side topic—it is at the heart of global climate negotiations. The UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action at COP28 highlighted the urgency of transforming food systems. As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil, the focus will be on how updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for 2031-2035 integrate agriculture into climate action. This article examines the evolution of agricultural negotiations under the UNFCCC and explores pathways for advancing climate-resilient agriculture and food security.
My key lessons and takeaways from Pre-SB62
Why Agriculture Negotiations Matter for Africa
Agriculture is not just a sector in Africa; it is the lifeline of millions. It is where climate change strikes the hardest, with unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and increasing soil degradation threatening food security. At the Pre-SB62 strategy discussions, it was clear that Africa needs stronger commitments and action-oriented solutions in agriculture negotiations. As we move towards COP30, these are the key issues that need to be at the forefront:
- Climate Finance for Sustainable Agriculture: African countries need access to adaptation finance tailored to smallholder farmers. Without adequate funding, transitioning to climate-smart agriculture remains an uphill battle.
- Just Transitions in Agriculture: Climate action in agriculture should not come at the expense of farmers’ livelihoods. Policies must ensure a just transition, integrating indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices.
- Food Security as a Global Priority: The discussions at Pre-SB62 underscored the need for a clear roadmap to prioritize food security in climate negotiations, especially given the escalating challenges of extreme weather events.
Agriculture and food security at the centre
The intersection of agriculture, climate change, and food security has taken center stage in global negotiations. Historically sidelined, agriculture has now emerged as a critical component of climate action, with increasing recognition of its role in both mitigation and adaptation. COP28 reaffirmed this urgency, and COP30 in Brazil presents an opportunity to strengthen global commitments. This article delves into the evolution of agricultural discussions under the UNFCCC, exploring how nations can collaborate to build resilient food systems while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.
The past decade has seen agriculture transition from a peripheral topic to a central pillar of global climate negotiations. COP28’s UAE Declaration underscored the need for transformative food systems, and all eyes are now on COP30 in Brazil to accelerate commitments. This article provides an overview of agriculture’s role in the UNFCCC, examining how negotiations have evolved and what lies ahead.
African youth inclusion in environmental policy landscape
The Pre-SBS 62 was a defining moment for youth inclusion in the environmental policy landscape of Africa. It wasn’t just a meeting—it was a true testimony to the power of young voices in shaping the future of biodiversity governance. In Occasions like this , young professionals and activists were not just present; they were actively contributing, negotiating, and influencing discussions that will determine Africa’s conservation trajectory.
Conclusion
Being part of this process was more than an opportunity; it was a responsibility. As young environmental advocates, we are not just inheritors of past decisions—we are active stakeholders shaping policies today.
Africa’s biodiversity challenges demand solutions that are inclusive, science-driven, and forward-thinking and I am proud to be part of a growing network of young African women driving climate action, but this journey is far from over. We are here, we are engaged, and we are ready to shape the future of climate policy in Africa. See you on the road to COP30!