Non-state actors have tabled some key demands they want the organisers of the scheduled African Climate Change Summit to adhere to for a successful outcome.
Led by Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, PACJA, they said that the summit needs to be people-centred where African people can attend and even be allowed to ask questions.
They also want the summit to press for and uphold transparent and participatory decision-making processes involving diverse stakeholders and perspectives
"The summit should ensure that the voices of those most affected by climate change and its solutions are heard and respected; and support the development and implementation of solutions that are based on sound science, local knowledge, and community empowerment," Mwenda said.
"Summit attendees should show courage in confronting the systemic changes needed to address climate change effectively, Challenge the dominant narratives and paradigms that enable and justify false solutions, such as those denying historical responsibilities for the climate crisis, turning regional and global dialogues into investment forums and claim equal or shared responsibility for climate action and dismissing African demands for justice as victim-playing."
They urged President William Ruto to open the summit to NGOs to come in and express their concerns
They spoke at a Nairobi Hotel where Mwenda Tuesday noted that thousands have signed petitions raising alarm over the plans to lock the NGOs out of the summit.
He said that they were concerned about the impacts of the climate crisis on the entire African continent and its people.
He said the world has experienced, climate-fueled droughts, floods, cyclones, desertification, food insecurity, displacement, and conflicts that have made life difficult for people.
"The Africa Climate Summit (ACS), scheduled for September 4 – 6, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, is a unique opportunity for the continent, through its leaders, to raise the urgency of addressing the climate emergency and protecting the rights and livelihoods of its citizens," Mwenda said.
" This will create an opportunity to build momentum and solidarity for the African agenda at COP28 and beyond by highlighting African countries' common interests and aspirations in achieving a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive development."
He said that Non -non-state actors are worried that Despites NGOs' effort to shape how things needs to be done, the summit may fail to address key issues if not well managed.
" We however believe that it is still not late,and President Ruto, the African Union and all leaders across Africa will put their ears down and keenly listen to their loud voices expressing concerns about some aspects of the Summit," he said.