Launch of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network in Senegal to accelerate inclusive climate action
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and requires concerted and inclusive actions to mitigate its impacts and for societies to adapt. Senegal is a particularly vulnerable country, and at the forefront of this fight. On the 16th July 2024, ENDA ENERGIE, in partnership with SouthSouthNorth (SSN), officially launched the CDKN Senegal programme.
The Climate and Development Network (CDKN), initiated in 2010, works to improve the well-being of the most climate-affected people in the global South, especially marginalised groups, through transformative climate-resilient action. It focuses on three strategic objectives: mainstreaming gender equity and social inclusion (GESI), improving access to appropriate and equitable financing, and strengthening Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA).
Senegal joined the CDKN programme in its third phase with its targeted transformational perspective that focuses on the intersection between development priorities and climate action, highlighting various issues at the local level. ENDA ENERGIE, responsible for implementing the CDKN programme in Senegal, adopts a strategic approach around mobilising knowledge for action, strengthening climate leadership and promoting climate action capacities.
The launch workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders working in the climate space in Senegal to establish synergies and partnerships in the context of the CDKN programme. Representatives from the Ministries of the Environment, Family, Oil and Energy, and Agriculture were present, as well as various development agencies, academic institutions, youth and representatives from the private sector. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and valuable expertise, enriching the discussions.
Fatema Rajabali, the CDKN Africa Lead from SouthSouthNorth, explained the selection process of Senegal, the only French-speaking country hosting this programme, which is based on an in-depth assessment which identified the country as a strong partner capable of carrying out CDKN initiatives. She also presented the programme's activities and objectives in different countries, alongside her colleagues from South Africa.
The workshop highlighted several essential key points raised by participants for effective climate action:
- Knowledge mobilization: They emphasized the need to share knowledge and good practices to strengthen local capacities. This includes the integration of traditional and scientific knowledge for a holistic approach.
- Strengthening climate leadership: Training and support to local leaders has been identified as essential for driving effective climate actions. Leadership is also needed to mobilise communities and implement sustainable strategies.
- Promoting climate action capacities: discussions focused on ways to strengthen the capacities of local communities, so that they can better adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes technical training, access to resources and institutional support.
Emmanuel Seck, director of ENDA ENERGIE, recalls that it is important to extend the Climate and Development Knowledge Network to the global level because until now, it is the English-speaking countries that benefit from it. Therefore, “ENDA ENERGIE will have to play a leading role so that these institutions or these countries at the African level can access, not only to this programme, but can also share their experiences and eventually have a resource centre. ENDA should have this vocation to consolidate access to knowledge and evidence,” he says.
The workshop was also an opportunity for participants to formulate concrete recommendations for concerted and inclusive climate action. The discussions promise to pave the way for concrete actions and enhanced collaboration between state and non-state actors. It also marked an important step in the commitment of stakeholders to inclusive and resilient climate action. With a focus on gender equity, access to finance and ecosystem-based adaptation, the programme aims to build a sustainable future for Senegal. Through the commitment of various stakeholders, the CDKN programme is well positioned to achieve its ambitious objectives and catalyse transformative and sustainable climate action, essential for Senegal's future in the face of climate challenges.
