Earlier this month, Black Crystal Consulting attended the Second Climate Change Development Conference with the theme, “Building Resilience, Securing the Future.” at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare. Various stakeholders from all sectors attended, including the University of Zimbabwe, AYICC (African Youth Initiative on Climate Change ) and United Nations representatives. The event was graced by the presence of his Honourable Vice President Dr. Constantino D. N. G. Chiwenga.
What was the Climate Change Development Conference about?
The conference was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife in partnership with the Africa Voluntary Carbon Credits Market Forum, the NDC Partnership, Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development Institute, University of Zimbabwe, International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF. It aimed to create a roadmap for the government and its stakeholders in the national development agenda. To attain this the conference was based on several key objectives, such as enhancing knowledge about climate change across Zimbabwe, sharpening focus on actions needed to address loss and damage, and strengthening the inclusivity of vulnerable groups within society to ensure equitable access to climate resources.
These objectives were tackled through different work groups such as climate change and health, carbon credits, markets, climate finance, local conference of youth and children, and lastly strategic planning, investment, and collaboration. The different workgroups brought together diverse stakeholders from academia, government, civil society, and the private sector to develop and implement effective climate action strategies.
Climate Change Development Conference Outcomes
The conference included a good representation of vulnerable groups such as women and youth in important discussions and decision-making. Climate change hinders their health, food and nutrition, security, education, social protection, and water and sanitation services.
Below is the Local Conference Of Youth subgroup discussing how to take part in key actions that could transform their future and allow easier access to resources that could build their resilience towards climate change.
This conference provided a platform for stakeholders to assess gaps in climate policy and governance within Zimbabwe. This promotes the effective implementation of national and international climate commitments, assessment of the new Climate Change Bill and National Adaptation Plan. It is without doubt that this conference could bring about strategies we need to build our nation’s resilience.
