AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION (AHOA)
&
Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC)
MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY/SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF BRAZIL, THE ‘COP30’ PRESIDENCY, AND THE ‘UNFCCC’
Excellencies,
The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) Network and Partners, including the Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC), are pleased to congratulate and issue this message of solidarity/support to the Government and good People of Brazil, and the UNFCCC COP30 Brazil Presidency, in respect of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention (UNFCCC) on Climate Change (COP30) which shall be held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10-21, 2025.
As the dust settled on COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the world especially civil society and climate change stakeholders, are turning towards Brazil for a COP30 that is expected to build on and improve on the very impressive organizations of COP29 by the Republic of Azerbaijan. We are encouraged by the commitment expressed by the Government of Brazil, and the efforts of the COP30 Presidency, and look forward to a COP30 organization that ‘Leaves No One Behind’.
CIVIL SOCIETY AT ‘COP29’ AZERBAIJAN
The global civil society, under the aegis of the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) – CSOs global Network and Think-tank, and Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC), and was involved in discussions and events of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The AHOA Network and Partners expressed support for Azerbaijan’s efforts to host the conference and advocated for a unified approach by NGOs to collaborate on climate change issues. The Network also highlighted the positive outcomes of COP29 and praised Azerbaijan’s successful organization, which was adjudged exceeded expectations. <https://afrihealthcsos.org/2024/12/30/unfccc-cop29-baku-report-on-the-participation-of-the-ahoa-and-its-civil-society-partners-and-outcome-of-the-conference/>
AHOA had advocated for CSO/NGO Unity, provided an evidence-based positive Feedback on Azerbaijan’s Organization of COP29, championed the Global Civil Society Involvement by serving as the host organization for the GCSCCC and African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO), issued a statement of support for COP29 and its presidency in Azerbaijan, and ; expressed positive views on the results of COP29, stating that they have exceeded expectations, congratulated Azerbaijan on its successful organization, and participated in a global consultation meeting on COP29 held in Baku with the involvement of numerous NGOs from around the world.
‘COP30’ BRAZIL IN VIEW
The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) scheduled to hold in Belém, located in the heart of the Brazil’s Amazon, is very significant in the global efforts to as it marks 10 years after the Paris Agreement and 20 years after the Kyoto Protocol, while global temperatures continuing to rise. While it is expected to highlight the importance of the Amazon region and its role in climate solutions, COP30 is also expected to recognize the importance of indigenous peoples and their traditional knowledge in the fight against climate change, an issue which the civil society vigorously addressed during COP29 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rVSEwYFkvw>. The need to continue to drive home the importance of global cooperation and a shared effort in addressing climate change, can never be overemphasized; just as continuously addressing climate justice, and fair and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy, must be the mantra.
IMPERATIVE OF IMPROVED CIVIC SPACE AT ‘COP30’
We call for improved civic space in the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of COP30 by all participating countries and Parties to the UNFCCC. This is especially crucial at climate change conferences as it enables wider participation, ensures accountability, fostering effective climate action, and achieving the Agenda 2030 Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063 of the African Union. A more vibrant civic space will allow for diverse perspectives, including those from civil society organizations (CSOs), communities, and individuals, to be heard and incorporated into policy discussions and actions during COP30 and beyond. In addition to enhanced citizen engagement, a more vibrant civic space around cop30 will also enhance accountability and transparency, bring diverse perspectives, strengthen effective policy implementation, build trust, facilitate open dialogue and participation, promote access to information, strengthen the capacity of CSOs, and protect the rights to freedom of expression and association.
Towards COP30, we call on all participating countries and institutions/entities to foster an inclusive environment where various stakeholder, especially CSOs, can participate effectively. This involves ensuring free expression, protecting human rights defenders, supporting CSOs to participate in COP30 processes and facilitating peaceful assembly. We also call for protection for online civic space and efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation.
In the lead up to the COP30, we call for policies, legislations and actions that foster a supportive environment for CSOs, Access to information and resources, affordable visa processes, fair and accessible procedures, equitable access to funding including access to government funding and tax benefits for CSOs.
During and after the COP30, we call for the protection and facilitation of freedom of expression and assembly, protection of online civic space, safeguarding at-risk human rights defenders including indigenous, digital tools/use technology for inclusivity, addressing digital divides, and providing training and support; to ensure that all participants can effectively participate.
CONCLUSION
Excellencies, the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) Network and Partners are encouraged by our shared values, goals, and struggles with the Amazon and that nature conservation is high on the agenda. We expect that COP30 will provide a strong platform for nature-based solutions, increased emphasis on solutions that preserve biodiversity and enhance soil health to combat climate change effects. We reaffirm our support and loyalty to the collective efforts of COP30 Presidency, the UNFCCC, and other Stakeholders to build a stronger, climate haven and more just future together. Together, we will achieve more.
In solidarity,
CEO/PD, Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)
<https://afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-association_15.html>
President, African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO)
Chair, Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and the Conference of the Parties (GCSCCC)
National Coordinator, Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria (CSP-SDGs Nigeria)
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Ismail Abukar Osman
Somali Environmental Development Organization SEDO We work Environmental and Climate change related in Somalia