Why collaboration is key in tackling climate change

The concept of Majlis holds significant potential for the country’s climate action trajectory.

Defined by Unesco as a cultural and social space for community discussions and problem-solving, Majlis is said to have played a crucial role in the success of the Dubai Declaration at COP28.

Dr Sultan Al Jabar credits Majlis with rekindling collaborative spirit and pushing delegates out of their comfort zones, leading to a productive global stocktake outcome.

While some debate ensued regarding the size of Kenya’s COP28 delegation, particularly amidst economic challenges, the true focus should shift from numbers to maximising value gained from global conferences.

In line with UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell’s call for delegates to use their accreditation as “badges of honor” and carry effective climate solutions back to their communities, Kenyan Majlis could serve as a vital platform for this purpose.

The COP28 Green Zone, dedicated to community climate engagement, education, and inspiration, offers valuable lessons. With over 10 themed hubs fostering connection, collaboration, and innovation, and about 600 events covering sustainability, technology, and cutting-edge solutions, the Green Zone demonstrates the power of collective action.

Given the urgency of tackling climate challenges, which disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, collaboration and cooperation are essential.

A key challenge lies in developing and embracing a common framework for adaptation and climate finance. Currently, adaptation responses are fragmented, sector-specific, and unequally distributed, leaving significant adaptation finance gaps.

Therefore, prioritising a strategy to leverage COP28 participants’ knowledge for collective learning and adaptation capacity building is crucial. Recognising the agricultural sector as the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and its vulnerability to climate change, fostering resilience within this sector is necessary.

Addressing paragraph 63 of the global stocktake outcome, calling for reduced climate impact on key areas like water, food, and health, requires a holistic approach with strong public engagement.

Collective learning and conversations within Kenyan Majlis can help solidify the agreed framework for the global adaptation goal, including impact, vulnerability, and risk assessment, planning, monitoring, and iterative learning.

Furthermore, the COP28 Action Agenda’s Regenerative Landscape Initiative, aiming to transition 160 million hectares to regenerative practices through partnerships with over 3.6 million farmers, offers a potential model for Kenya’s food system transformation.

The FAO’s roadmap for achieving SDG 2 on hunger within planetary boundaries also emphasizes breaking down barriers between sectors and embracing multidisciplinarity, which should guide Kenyan Majlis discussions.

Water scarcity, a prominent consequence of climate change, demands exploration within Majlis. Harnessing urban water catalyst initiatives and the GENESIS project’s $50 million commitment to sustainable irrigation and heating systems are just two examples of potential solutions.

Ultimately, leveraging the diverse knowledge and resources of COP28 participants holds immense promise for Kenyan climate action. The conference served as a melting pot of solutions, and each individual’s unique perspective must be harnessed through collaborative efforts.

Building climate resilience in Kenya requires bringing together diverse voices and viewpoints. Convening a Majlis symposium to explore collective action, though sometimes questioned as a resource drain, is crucial for building a shared narrative and effective course of action. Let us not hesitate to utilise the knowledge gleaned from COP28.

— The writer is a climate change and food system communication consultant