Tag Archives: Conference of Parties on Climate (COP-29) in Baku in Azerbaijan

Environment, Malawi, Regional

Malawi recognized for women’s role in climate innovations at COP-29

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi has received significant praise for its efforts to involve women in key decision-making roles related to climate change.

Sascha Gabizon, the Executive Director of Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), emphasized that Malawi’s representation of women at COP’29 symbolizes a strong acknowledgment of their vital roles as agents of resilience and innovation in the fight against climate change.

She noted that sustainable development and climate action cannot succeed without incorporating gender equity.

Gabizon also discussed WECF’s initiatives to empower women through practical training and sustainable entrepreneurship.

For instance, in Mozambique, WECF trained the first five female swim teachers and lifeguards, as well as certified the region’s first female scuba divers.

This initiative led to the formation of a women-led mussel aquaculture cooperative, which created economic opportunities and supported local communities.

WECF, a key partner of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), commended Malawi for its exemplary efforts to empower women in climate action.

This recognition was awarded during a prize presentation ceremony on the sidelines of COP-29 in Baku, where Malawi was celebrated for promoting women’s leadership in addressing climate challenges.

Janet Banda SC, Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, stated that international organizations have highlighted the country’s progressive approach to gender and climate justice at COP-29 and expressed the government’s gratitude for this recognition and emphasized the crucial role women play in climate action.

Janet Banda at COP-29 (second from left)

“To empower women, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, launched the Women in Climate Action Network in 2021. This initiative ensures that women take charge of the issues that affect them most,” Banda noted.

During the conference, Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Michael Biziwick Usi, highlighted the importance of the country’s delegation in representing the interests of Malawians at COP-29.

His remarks underscored Malawi’s commitment to ensuring that its people, especially women, play an active role in shaping global climate policies.

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP-29) is an annual gathering of United Nations member states focused on addressing the global climate crisis held in Baku, Azerbaijan, this year’s summit provided a platform for nations to negotiate solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and financing.

Malawi’s increasing recognition at international climate forums highlights the nation’s growing leadership in promoting gender equality and climate resilience, setting a strong example for other countries in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future.

Environment, Malawi, Regional

Cycling for Climate Justice in on-going COP-29: With calls for funding accessibility to Malawi’s vulnerable communities

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s environmental and climate change advocates are calling for easy access to funding for smaller organizations working directly with vulnerable communities for rural voices.

The call was made during the just ended Malawi Climate Justice Caravan, a cycling event advocating for climate justice for the on-going Conference of Parties on Climate (COP-29) in Baku in Azerbaijan.

The Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) and National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) with support from Concern Worldwide and Oxfam Africa through Oxfam Malawi organized the Climate Justice Caravan from Saturday to Monday which started in Blantyre and pass through Balaka, Ntcheu, Dedza and concluded in Lilongwe.

Addressing the media at the end of Caravan, NYNCC National Coordinator Dominic Nyasulu called for fair, accessible funding for smaller organizations.

“This movement fights for an equitable future where those bearing the climate crisis’s brunt are empowered and supported.

“This is the reason we want developed nation at COP-29 for provide enough funding for local organisations for various climate change adaptation programmes towards vulnerable communities”, appeals Nyasulu.

In his remarks, Oxfam Malawi Project Coordinator Kondwan Mubisa called for community voices to be at the forefront of discussions at #COP29 COP29 in Baku.

Mubisa observed that communities in developing nations including Malawi face the harshest impacts of climate change and deserve a central role in shaping the global response.

“Vulnerable Clcommunities’ experiences and challenges must guide climate action to ensure solutions truly meet their needs”, urgues Mubisa.

One of the cyclists, Mike Liwonda said a three-day journey was tough but worthy which advocated for climate justice.

“This journey highlights Malawi’s urgent climate challenges—droughts, floods, rising lake levels, and Cyclone Freddy—largely fueled by actions of wealthier, high-polluting nations.

“Malawi needs #climatejustice with financial support to recover and invest in green solutions”, he said.

Liwonda therefore called for investments in renewable energy and subsidies for clean energy sources including solar power and LPG, to reduce Malawi’s dependence on polluting fuels.

“It’s time for #COP29 leaders to support true #ClimateResilience for all”, he concluded.

During the launch of cycling caravan, CISONECC Board Member Melton Luhanga said the primary goal of the cycling event is to demand accountability from developed nations.

He called for climate finance to be offered as grants—not loans—to support countries severely affected by climate change.

Luhanga however observed that CISONECC members are united in their commitment to amplifying the voices of those most impacted.

He therefore appealed, “Time is now for developed countries to support developing nations fairly and adequately”.