
The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice Cohort IV (NSSCJ IV) is a global initiative by the PAN African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and its partners namely SIDA, Kenya Ministry of Education, Financing Locally Led Financing Locally Led Climate Action Program (FLLOCA) funded by the World Bank through the Kenya Ministry of Finance and University of Chuka. It was also a dynamic platform designed for interaction, dialogue, debate, learning, mentorship, co – creation and networking which aims at sparking transformation in our climate challenged world. At the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice fresh ideas were shaped, and champions were natured.
PACJA has been very formidable on the climate justice agenda. Since its inception in 2021 NSSCJ has successfully conducted three cohorts which has produced over 1500 alumni from 73 countries globally who have become influential climate advocates. These alumni have since secured roles in prominent climate organizations such as the African Group of Negotiators, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations.
NSSCJ IV themed “Knowledge, People and Climate” commenced on the 24th of June 2024 with an explosive high-level symposium which brought together cross-sectional stakeholders. From the 24th of June to the 7th of July Chuka University in Kenya became the hot spot of climate justice movement after 4441 applications were received from across the globe. After shortlisting the applications, the NSSCJ IV brought together the largest group of 300 diverse and seasoned scholar – activists, climate advocates, change makers, champions, policy makers, community leaders, legislators, scientists and practitioners from 87 countries from across Africa, Asia, Europe and America. INERELA+ through its Executive Director Munya Mandipaza participated at the NSSCJ IV.
Munya’s motto is “from talk to action” after having taken a leaf from Prof Wangari Maathai quote about climate change which says – “It is people who must save the environment. It is the people who must make their leaders to change. And we cannot be intimidated. So, we must stand up for what we believe in”. Africa accounts for the smallest share of global greenhouse gas emissions – less than 4% but the continent suffers the most from climate change.
As a champion of climate justice and movement builder attending the NSSCJ IV was incredibly important to her because climate change is a tremendous challenge of our lifetime which will be on the global agenda for years to come. The NSSCJ IV was a great opportunity which sharpened her understanding of critical climate related issues and the inter section between climate justice, gender, human rights, health, poverty, peace, inclusion, migration, displacement, conflict and faith which are crucial for addressing inequalities and creating a sustainable future and communities globally. The NSSCJ IV experience allowed her to engage with researchers who shared data that can be used for influence or advocacy work. Additionally, she engaged with diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to address climate challenges across countries where INERELA+ works.
Through this forum participants exchanged initiatives, experiences and ideas on transitioning towards a just, equitable and inclusive pathways to a low – carbon climate resilient world. Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, emphasized the critical role of youth in the climate justice movement. Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education, Kenya, commended the initiative for providing youth with a platform to engage in climate change dialogues. She stressed the essential role of education in fostering climate justice. Ayele Kabede, Programme Manager for SIDA, Regional Office, Africa, praised the youth attendees and underscored the importance of building their capacity in climate justice. He highlighted the focus of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) on fostering knowledge and capacity in climate justice and climate change.
Below is a link to the video which shows highlights of proceedings at Nairobi Summer School Cohort IV 24 June – 7 July 2024.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=4XVJAbUdDJU&feature=shared
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM CROSS SECTIONAL STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS
Below are words of wisdom from some of the resource persons that took part in the NSSCJ IV.
