Climate Change stakeholders have met at the International Stocktaking Conference on Climate Services for Risk Reduction in Africa in response to climate-related challenges facing Africa.
Organised by the Climate Services for Risk Reduction in Africa (CS4RRA) initiative, the conference witnessed high-level participation from across Africa and Europe, under the patronage of the Vice President of The Gambia, H.E. Muhammad B. S. Jallow and in partnership with WASCAL and the International Research on Development, the conference underlined Europe and Africa’s shared commitment to enhancing resilience and adaptation capabilities in the face of climate challenges.
Over 150 delegates, including policymakers, academia, international agencies, and climate experts, deliberated on several thematic areas to strengthen partnerships and establish actionable frameworks for sustainable climate resilience in Africa.
In his opening remarks, the Vice President highlighted the significance of the conference as a platform for Africa to lead in building a sustainable, resilient future. Reflecting on the urgent climate threats facing the region, he stated, “The government of the Gambia is pledging its political willingness and readiness to support Climate Services for Risk Reduction in Africa to achieve its objectives of building a stronger north-south cooperation towards climate resilience in Africa.” He said.
Echoing the Vice President’s sentiments, the German Minister of Education and Research, H.E Bettina Stark-Watzinger remarked “Climate Change affects all of us. So, it is upon all of us to take action and to jointly reduce climate risks and enhance climate adaptation to Africa countries most severely affected. Gaining new knowledge to establish a reliable database; social and technological innovation and providing training for the next generation of new researchers in Africa. I call on all participants to be part of this unique collaboration between Europe and Africa.” She remarked.
The Executive Director of WASCAL, Prof. Emmanuel Wendsongre Ramde acknowledged the strong collaboration between Europe. He reflected on the successful initiatives such as the recently concluded WASCAL Research Action Plan (WRAP 2.0), a collaboration between WASCAL and German research institutions funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
“CS4RRA is a step forward in our commitment to shared climate action. Through science, research, and innovation, we can build systems that not only protect but empower communities across Africa. Let this conference reaffirm our pledge to work together and increase our resilience to climate risks.” He spoke.
Mr. Stéphane Dover, Head of French Diplomatic Mission in Gambia in his speech, called on stakeholders to unite to achieve common a goal
“We are among the privileged people when we are in the car, when we fly, when we consume imported groceries, which means we are all contributing to climate change. We are also victims. But in West Africa the impact is higher and we can only work together to achieve this common goal of climate resilience” He emphasized.
CS4RRA initiative, launched by WASCAL and IRD , with support from France and Germany, is committed to creating a sustainable, long-term partnership focused on climate risk reduction and adaptation. The conference served as a springboard for establishing the Long-Term European-African Partnership on Climate Risk Reduction and Adaptation (LEAP-CRRA), aligning with the African Union-European Union strategic goals in science, technology, and climate service frameworks.
