Global Consortium of Civil Society on Climate Change and the Conference of Parties (GCSCCC)
MEETING SUMMARY FOR THE ‘GCSCCC’ MONTHLY CONSULTATION (December/03/2024)
QUICK RECAP
The meeting, led by the Chair of the GCSCCC Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, discussed the achievements and shortcomings of the organization over the past year, focusing on climate change and deforestation in Cameroon. The team also examined the outcomes of the climate change conference, expressing disappointment and emphasizing the need for countries to raise their funds and collaborate with multilateral agencies. The conversation ended with plans for the next year, including the dissolution of existing committees and working groups, and the importance of active participation and engagement in the committees.
NEXT STEPS
1. All the Committees and Working Groups (WGs) are to submit final reports for the year to the Chair of the Consortium by December 15, 2024.
2. The General Assembly approved the dissolution of all the existing Working Groups and Committees of the Steering Committee and their Leaderships on December 16, 2024.
3. Steering Committee Leadership shall appoint new leaders for committees and working groups in 2025, including chairs, co-chairs, secretaries, and co-secretaries.
4. All members are to review their committee/working group memberships and join or remain with only one committee/working group of their choice for 2025. Members who want to change to another WG or Committee must first exit their current WG/Committee before joining their new WG/Committee, before January 15, 2025;
5. Dr. Ogunbamiwo Henry Femi will research and identify genuine recycling plant partners in his State for potential collaboration
6. The Chair of the Consortium shall present an annual report of the Consortium for 2024, following the receipt of the reports from all the Committees and WGs as specified above.
LATE MEETING START AND GLOBAL CONSULTING
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje apologized for the late start of the meeting due to internet challenges. He thanked everyone for their patience and requested for self-introduction by the participants, starting with the ladies. Molly Sharma, the director at Dimack International Limited in the UK, and Tigist, a consultant from Ethiopia, introduced themselves. The meeting was the last general assembly consultation for the Global Consortium for the year 2024, unless an emergency required another meeting. Dr. Adirieje also mentioned that some decisions and plans for the next year would be discussed.
ORGANIZATION’S ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES DISCUSSED
Molly initiated a discussion about the achievements and shortcomings of the organization over the past year. She encouraged individual contributions to improve the organization’s performance. Jean, representing the organization, shared their activities in Cameroon, emphasizing the importance of youth education, waste management, and reforestation. Jean highlighted the challenges faced by the organization, particularly the lack of financial support, which hinders their efforts to combat climate change and deforestation in Cameroon.
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND GLOBAL EVENTS
Molly discussed various topics, including challenges faced by the whole community, not just Cameroon. Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje highlighted the importance of following global events, such as the happenings in Baku and the climate change conference. Lindokuhle, despite not being able to physically raise his hand, confirmed that she had followed the events online. The team acknowledged the challenges of funding and agreed to work on it in the coming year.
2024 CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN (COP29)
It was reported that some members/partners of the GCSCCC participated in the COP29 through the support of the COP29 Presidency, Baku Initiative Group and the Azerbaijan National NGO Coalition. Members expressed appreciation of the efforts but regretted that few persons attended than were expected, while funding, logistics and communication were major challenges.
Tigist expresses disappointment with the outcomes of the climate change conference, especially for developing countries, citing the lack of adequate climate finance and the challenges in accessing existing funds. She emphasizes the need for countries to raise their own funds and collaborate with multilateral agencies, rather than solely relying on external funding. Tigist also notes that issues like gender and health were marginalized, although there was progress on carbon markets. Overall, the feeling among African countries was one of disappointment, but there is a resolve to find solutions internally.
FINAL REPORTS SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje emphasized the importance of committees and working groups submitting their final reports for the year to the chair of the consortium by the 15th of December 2024. He stressed that these reports would help to plan for the next year, highlighting the need for explicit recommendations. The proposal was supported by a majority of the attendees, with no opposition. Dr. Adirieje also encouraged active participation and indicated that the submission of reports was approved by majority vote.
COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP CHANGES
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje proposed that after December 15, 2024, all existing committees of the Steering Committee and working groups will stand dissolved to make fresh appointments. The leadership of these committees will also stand dissolved to allow for new appointments. The proposal was supported by a majority of the attendees, with no opposition. Dr. Adirieje emphasized the importance of active participation and engagement in the committees, stating that only active members will be considered for leadership positions. Each committee will have a chair, co-chair, secretary, and co-secretary to ensure smooth functioning. The appointments will be based on active participation and engagement. The proposal was supported by a majority of the attendees, with no opposition.
‘GCSCCC’ PROGRESS AND SUPPORT NEEDS
The meeting further discussed the progress of the GCSCCC and the need for more support for members and partners. The group agreed to meet less frequently, with the general assembly consultations every two months hence, starting February 2025. Dr. Adirieje also emphasized the importance of individual participations and the need for reports from committees.
APPRECIATION
The GA appreciated the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) for its continuous hosting of the GCSCCC and institutional support to the Consortium. It is expressed gratitude to the COP29 Presidency, Azerbaijan National NGO Coalition, and the Baku Initiative Group, for their support which enabled some members of the AHOA-GCSCCC to attend the 29th UNFCCC Conference of Parties (the Climate Conference) in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024; and also facilitated the AHOA-GCSCCC engagements with the media, and in various sessions, demonstrations and activities during the Climate Conference in Baku.
The Chair of the Consortium Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, appreciated the members and especially leaders of the various Committee and Working Groups for their pioneering contributions during the consortium’s first year of existence. He assured that the Consortium would deliver on its assumed mandate and wished all the members and partners well.
ADJOURNMENT AND CLOSING REMARKS
The closing remarks were made by H.E. Ms Molly Sobola, following the motion for adjournment that was moved by H.E. Hon. Mrs. Aniedi Inyang, and supported by another participant. The next GA shall be held on February 4, 2025.
Signed:
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
Chair, GCSCCC