From September 3rd to 6th, 2023, representatives from diverse African communities—social movements, civil society organizations, trade unions, women, indigenous peoples, youth, men, people with disabilities, media outlets, faith-based groups, and many others—gathered in Nairobi, Kenya. Together, we issued this declaration, outlining Africa’s climate and development priorities and our collective demands.

This People’s Assembly coincided with the first Africa Climate Summit (ACS), which should have provided an opportunity for genuine, progressive African climate action. It was a chance to prioritize African solutions and strategies, breaking away from the long-standing narrative of Africa being used as a pawn in others’ plans. Instead, the ACS was co-opted by foreign interests and private sector greed, pushing dangerous distractions like “Green Growth” and carbon markets, with African lands being sold to the highest bidder.

This Declaration defines Africa’s path forward

It highlights our commitments as people and sets forth our demands for African governments—both domestically and in multilateral forums like COP28 and IMF-World Bank meetings. Without an African-led plan for our future, we risk continuing to be at the mercy of external exploitation, extraction, and modern-day colonization.

Realities We Acknowledge

  1. Africa’s Minimal Contribution to Climate Change
    Africa contributes less than 4% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions and less than 1% of historical emissions. Yet, we are the most vulnerable to climate-induced destruction—losing land, crops, infrastructure, and lives.
  2. Centuries of Oppression and Exploitation
    For generations, Africa has faced rights violations, environmental destruction, and livelihood disruption—most of it motivated by resource theft and extraction.
  3. Climate-Induced Challenges
    Africa is already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, famines, and crop failures. Without radical change, hundreds of millions of Africans face displacement, unmeasurable suffering, and potential societal collapse.
  4. Injustice Within a Broken System
    We cannot achieve climate justice within the current global systems—neoliberal, authoritarian, extractive, and neo-colonial structures that disregard human rights and stifle civic participation, especially for those defending their lands and rights.
  5. Reversing Global Financial Flows
    Addressing the climate crisis requires reparations and financing on the scale of trillions, not the insufficient billions promised but never fully delivered. Global South loses more than $2 trillion annually to the Global North through trade, debt, and aid. This imbalance must be corrected for meaningful, lasting change.

Principles We Stand By

  1. System Change, Not Climate Change
    Climate change is not an isolated issue. It is the consequence of a broken global system of power and economics, driven by elite interests and profit at the expense of people and the planet. Solving it requires a fundamental shift, not just technological tweaks.
  2. Radical Change Over Gradualism
    Incremental reforms are not enough. The scale of the crisis demands unprecedented, rapid transformations. We cannot afford to make slow, minor adjustments to a flawed system.
  3. Equity and Historical Responsibility
    Rich nations, bearing historical responsibility for the climate crisis, must honor their obligations. They should achieve zero emissions and provide the necessary financial support to poorer nations. There must be a global convergence in per capita resource and energy use, ensuring well-being for all.
  4. People Power and Community-Led Solutions
    Real climate solutions cannot come from corporate boardrooms or international institutions. They must be community-driven, placing people and their well-being at the center—not profit.
  5. Equity, Justice, and Equality
    Within our societies and movements, we commit to equity across gender, race, age, ability, sexual orientation, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. We reject all forms of discrimination and injustice.
  6. Human Rights and Protection of Defenders
    There can be no climate justice without human rights. We must protect those whose rights are being infringed, particularly those facing persecution for defending their communities, lands, and the environment.
  7. Free Media and Freedom of Speech
    A free press and the right to speak freely are essential for holding power to account and exposing injustices. These freedoms are crucial for achieving the systemic changes we need.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

This Declaration represents a collective call to action. We recognize the immense challenges Africa faces but also the opportunities to forge a new path. We must lead with courage, placing African solutions and communities at the heart of our climate and development strategies. Our future depends on it.