African leaders embrace the Addis Ababa Climate, Peace, and Justice Declaration
The Addis Ababa Declaration on Media, Climate, Peace, Security, and Justice was endorsed by leaders, journalists, and climate advocates. It calls for immediate changes to climate finance and improved safeguards for journalists in order to promote climate action throughout the continent.
The statement was made at the Second Africa Climate Summit Pre-Summit Forum (ACS2), which took place in Addis Ababa from September 6–7 and had as its theme “Media as a Catalyst for Africa’s Climate Change, Peace and Security Agenda: Driving Just Transition and Climate Justice.”
To promote a more equitable and inclusive climate response, the forum, which was organized by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission, brought together media professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
According to the proclamation, climate change is making Africa more insecure by increasing the likelihood of food crises, displacement, and conflict. It demanded that the Common African Position on Climate, Peace, and Security be operationalized and urged countries to include these issues into national and regional plans.
Rather than being viewed as charity, the panelists emphasized that climate finance should be viewed as justice. Specifically in fragile and conflict-affected areas, they called for more, reliable, and transparent funding for adaptation and resilience.
“Climate finance should empower local communities, women, and youth to lead solutions, rather than exacerbate Africa’s debt burden,” the declaration said.
In order to keep institutions responsible and reveal gaps in climate initiatives, the declaration emphasized the importance of independent journalism. For journalists covering high-risk situations, it demanded funding for protection, data access, and training.
Participants stated that in order to avoid misinformation that can exacerbate conflict and erode public confidence, accurate information is crucial. They called for active participation by AU member states and welcomed the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change.
The forum pledged to advance gender equality, back youth-led projects, and improve cooperation between the media, civil society, and governments.
In addition to protecting media freedoms and ensuring that appropriate transition plans protect livelihoods and generate good jobs, participants urged African governments and international partners to take decisive action.
