The African Development Bank values its engagement with civil society in all areas of development and more so for its increasingly significant role in all environmental and social safeguard issues, climate adaptation and mitigation, climate finance and renewable energy. The Bank focuses on sustainability, which is central to its work including the importance of partnering with various civil society organisations and other development stakeholders. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) also have an important role, on the continent, in safeguarding the
human rights of vulnerable populations (youth, women, and forcibly displaced communities, amongst others). Although Africa contributes the least to carbon emissions, it is the world’s most vulnerable region and the continent bears a disproportionate burden of the impact of climate change. This comprises devastating floods, severe droughts, and pest invasions. To date, 7 of the 10 most vulnerable countries are in Africa, and 10 of the top 12 countries most at risk of droughts globally are in Africa. From 6-8, November 2022, Egypt will organize the United Nations Conference of Parties on Climate (COP27). This conference will represent a turning point for countries of the south and particularly the African continent. It is a platform to advance Africa’s common position and to ensure that developed countries meet their “US$100 billion Goal” and the climate finance delivery plan. By putting the climate issue at the forefront on the agenda of its 2022 Civil Society Forum under the theme Engaging Civil Society for Climate Resilience and Just Energy Transition in Africa, the Bank is reaffirming its privileged partnership with CSOs to address this serious challenge. In addition to its traditional role of supporting regional member countries and climate change negotiation experts on the continent, the Bank is engaging all actors including civil society to ensure that all African stakeholders contribute towards the narrative of Africa’s position at COP27. The Africa COP presents a watershed opportunity for humanity to turn the tide against this existential threat and provides a global platform for all of us to amplify Africa’s voice and common position on climate change. In order to be participatory and inclusive, leading up to COP27, the Bank has convened several meetings with civil society organisations and has set up an Inter-Departmental Working Group (IDWG) to ensure all African representative stakeholders are
consulted, and any challenges and opportunities are documented. The CSO Coalition on COP27 and the Bank’s Inter-Departmental Working Group formed a working group, which is now referred to as the Bank-Civil Society Coalition On The Road To COP27. The Bank Civil Society Coalition will organize a side event ahead of the CSO Forum, on October 5. This strategic meeting aims to strengthen the dialogue further and begin discussions on various themes identified for the African narrative at COP27. Download Concept Note

Dr. @ABNJAMNSHI spoke at the just concluded BANK- CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION ON THE ROAD TO COP27 side event in Abidjan. @AfDB_Group @PACJA1 @christian_aid @iki_germany @BMUV @bigshiftglobal @Germanwatch @arei_idu #africanpeoplescop #ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/s3F03kvS2y

— ACSEA (@acsea_54) October 8, 2022