African Union climate change and resilient development strategy and action plan (2022-2032)

Abstract

The Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 makes it clear that climate-resilient communities and economies are an integral component of the continental vision for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena. This African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032) supports the realization of this vision by setting out principles, priorities and action areas for enhanced climate cooperation and long term, climate resilient development. The Strategy provides an outline for harmonized and coordinated actions to respond to the impacts of climate change, thereby supporting planning for the continent’s low-emission future. The Strategy defines the main parameters and priorities in building African resilient capacities for adaptation and exploiting the benefits of the mitigation potential of the continent. It seeks to ensure that institutions, strategies, and decisions for climate risk management and climate-resilient development are integrated and implemented as a central aspect of achieving sustainable development, as framed by Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.The Strategy highlights the importance of supporting the most vulnerable communities and groups. It recognizes that women and the youth face challenge in responding to climate impacts, but also acknowledges and seeks to support the critical role that they play as change agents driving climate responses at local, national, sub-regional and continental levels. To promote an inclusive climate approach, this Strategy seeks to enhance collective development, participation, implementation, and monitoring. In particular, the Strategy provides a consolidated platform around which partnerships can be built with non-governmental and civil society organizations, as well as the private sector.