[BLOG] Bridging Climate Science and Action: Reflections on the First C3A Annual Symposium

By Nadia S. Ouedraogo*

The First Coalition for Capacity on Climate Action (C3A) Annual Symposium, held from December 2–6, 2024, in Paris, was a landmark event that brought together stakeholders from around the globe to tackle one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: the climate crisis. Representing the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), I had the privilege of participating as part of a strategic partnership with C3A.

Global Climate Crisis: A Call for Unified Action

The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has made it clear: immediate and coordinated action is essential to limit global temperature rise and mitigate the catastrophic impacts of climate change. Developing regions, especially in Africa, are at a crossroads. Although accounting for only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, they bear a disproportionate share of the consequences of climate change and have constrained resources to mitigate and adapt effectively. Balancing their development needs with global climate goals requires targeted strategies, substantial resources, and global collaboration. 
Platforms like the C3A Annual Symposium are indispensable for uniting policymakers, researchers, and financial experts to design and implement adaptive strategies that are both equitable and effective. These gatherings foster collaboration across sectors and geographies, driving progress toward a sustainable future.

The Role of ECA, C3A and their Partners: Insights and Contributions

The First C3A Annual Symposium provided an outstanding platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration, and addressing the intricate challenges of climate finance. Through technical workshops, policy panel sessions, and high-level roundtables, the event shed light, among others, on the unique obstacles African nations face in advancing their climate transitions while striving for sustainable economic growth.
Representing ECA, I had the honor of actively contributing to the sessions at the First C3A Annual Symposium by facilitating regional working groups and engaging in critical dialogues. My role was centered on advocating for Africa’s unique needs and priorities, ensuring they are firmly embedded in global climate finance and policy frameworks. This work is vital in amplifying the continent's voice in shaping the evolving global climate agenda.
To advance Africa’s climate finance agenda, I presented key findings from the Economic Report on Africa 2024, which analyzed the financial requirements for a Just and Sustainable Transition (JST). This presentation highlighted ECA’s innovative strategies to support policymakers in mobilizing resources for climate resilience and sustainable development. Key recommendations included expanding fiscal space by strategically leveraging Africa’s natural resources—such as developing strategic minerals and implementing natural capital accounting—curbing illicit financial flows and capitalizing on the continent’s strategic role in the shifting geopolitical landscape. Additionally, innovative financing mechanisms and instruments were emphasized as critical tools for addressing resource mobilization challenges.
During a specific panel discussion, I explored the complex trade-offs faced by African countries, such as balancing economic growth with climate mitigation. This includes the critical need to reduce emissions while ensuring equitable energy access across the continent. Another focal point was managing debt sustainability alongside the necessary investments in climate adaptation, highlighting the delicate balance required for long-term resilience.
To secure Africa’s equitable share of global climate financing—particularly in the context of COP29’s $300 billion annual pledge by 2035—ECA emphasized the critical role of regional collaboration and the strategic use of both international and regional frameworks. Notably, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) offers a transformative platform for fostering regional integration. By harmonizing policies, pooling resources, and mobilizing collective efforts, AfCFTA strengthens Africa’s position in global climate negotiations and enhances its capacity to address shared challenges.
Through these efforts, ECA intends to continue to play a pivotal role in aligning Africa’s climate finance priorities with global commitments, ensuring the continent’s sustainable development remains central to the international climate agenda.

A significant takeaway from African delegates was the pressing need to enhance capacity in areas like carbon market mechanisms, data management, and economic modeling. ECA is uniquely equipped to address these gaps, delivering targeted initiatives that empower Ministries of Finance across the continent. These efforts will enable African governments to take a leadership role in driving and sustaining the continent’s climate transition.
Through these contributions, ECA reaffirmed its role as a vital partner in shaping Africa’s climate agenda and amplifying its voice in global decision-making processes. This Symposium not only highlighted the importance of collective action but also reinforced the need for sustained engagement, innovative strategies, and strengthened partnerships to ensure a just, sustainable, and inclusive climate future for Africa.

Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum

The C3A Annual Symposium was a reminder of the power of strategic partnerships in driving meaningful change. ECA’s collaboration with C3A and other stakeholders such as the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action (CFMCA) has already laid the groundwork for transformative initiatives. Moving forward, our priorities include:

• Developing a Regional Climate Roadmap: The creation of a comprehensive roadmap reflecting Africa’s needs, priorities, and solutions for climate finance.

• Strengthening Capacity: Deliver targeted training programs on carbon market trade, data collection, and modeling to empower policymakers and practitioners.

• Resource Mobilization: Advocacy for increased access to international climate funds remains a top priority, alongside efforts to improve conditions for private investment in green infrastructure.

The First C3A Annual Symposium was more than an event; it was a call to action. As we prepare for the 5th Finance in Common Summit (FiCS), the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and the COP30, policymakers, researchers, and private sector actors should engage with initiatives like this. Together, we can drive the systemic change needed to achieve a just and sustainable future for all.
At ECA, we are committed to amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage, building capacity, and fostering collaboration to bridge the climate finance gap. 

*Nadia S. Ouedraogo is an Economic Affairs Officer with the Macroeconomic and Finance Division, Economic Commission for Africa.

 

https://www.climatecapacitycoalition.org/en/news/blog-bridging-climate-science-and-action-reflections-first-c3a-annual-symposium