PACJA delegation in Bonn
The Subsidiary Bodies are currently convening in Bonn, Germany. In this context, The Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), convened a press conference to deliver its official statement.
“We can rightly claim to represent the voices from across the continent,” affirmed Eugene Nforngwa of Programs director of ACSEA in the opening session.
“The purpose of this press conference is to share how we see the proceedings unfolding, and to clearly state the priorities of African people in these negotiations.”
Speaking on behalf of PACJA, Dr. Augustine B Njamnshi, Chair of Technical and Political Affairs of PACJA and Executive Director of ACSEA reaffirmed the coalition’s unwavering commitment to climate justice, reminding all negotiators that the outcomes of SB62 must be anchored in the lived experiences and pressing realities of the world’s most climate-vulnerable continent. “Africa’s voice must shape the direction of global climate discussions and actions,” he said. He further warned of the economic consequences of inaction: “According to the IPCC, climate change has already cost Africa $7 billion annually between 2010 and 2019. If we continue on the current path, losses could exceed $50 billion by 2040, cutting up to 4% of Africa’s annual GDP.”
Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, spoke firmly on the systemic nature of the delays: “We are in the second day of SB62, and the plenary has been postponed again. This is no longer accidental, it is a deliberate obstruction. If this continues, it will jeopardize the outcomes of COP30. We are almost facing a broken system.” Addressing industrialized countries directly, he warned: “We are watching you. Any attempt to sabotage this process will not go unnoticed, nor unchallenged.”
From the grassroots, a representative of women and Indigenous Peoples brought a powerful message: “We work in climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and food processing. We carry the burden of risk in our households and communities, yet face additional barriers in accessing adaptation finance, technologies, and markets.”
The voice of African youth echoed just as clearly: “Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions, yet we bear the brunt of droughts, floods, and displacement. Climate finance remains insufficient, inaccessible, and unpredictable. This undermines our capacity to adapt and transition justly.”
Against this backdrop, PACJA has outlined six clear demands:
1- Adaptation finance must be needs-based, grant-based, and predictable
2- Deliver on the Glasgow and Sharm el-Sheikh mandates on loss and damage
3- The New Collective Quantified Goal must be transformational
4- Just energy transitions must be equity-led
5- Article 6 must protect people, not profits
6- Participation and process must ensure full inclusion and transparency