Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Richard Chirombo
Published on 2024-04-02 06:43:33
Disputes have arisen regarding the selection of the secretariat location for the Santiago Network, a body established to implement global strategies to prevent and address loss and damage issues related to climate change. This disagreement has the potential to undermine the efforts to combat the effects of climate change.
The Santiago Network was created to support the Warsaw International Mechanism and help in the execution of functions outlined in the Paris Agreement by the Conference of the Parties (CoP). The Warsaw International Mechanism was put in place to deal with loss and damage caused by climate change impacts, including extreme events and gradual changes, particularly in developing countries.
Criticism has been directed at the Santiago Network’s board, particularly by organizations like Pacja, Isonecc, Oxfam, Save the Children, and others. They have condemned the board members for disregarding the findings of a cost-benefit analysis that recommended against holding a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. The board had met in Geneva from March 18 to 20 to review a report by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNODR) on potential secretariat locations.
In response to the board’s decision to select Geneva as the secretariat location, the organizations expressed grave concerns over the process and accused developed countries of using their influence to manipulate the outcome. They also criticized the insufficient pledges made to the Loss and Damage Fund, highlighting the disparities in power dynamics between developed and developing nations.
The organizations declared the decision made in Geneva as null and void and called for a reversal in favor of Nairobi as the host location, as recommended by UNOPS-UNDRR. They urged authorities, especially from Africa and other developing countries, to investigate any potential collusion or manipulation by industrialized nations.
In a separate meeting in Lilongwe, representatives from Pacja, Isonecc, the Government of Malawi, and various other organizations came together to discuss strategies for accelerating loss and damage funds. This meeting aimed to provide African stakeholders with a platform to develop effective strategies for addressing climate-related challenges.
Overall, the disagreements over the secretariat location for the Santiago Network highlight the complexities and power dynamics at play in international climate change initiatives. The need for transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in decision-making processes is paramount to ensuring that efforts to combat climate change are effective and beneficial for all nations, especially those most vulnerable to its impacts.
Read the original article on The Times
