On behalf of the Resilient40 and the wider community of young African climate leaders, our Founder and Chairperson, Michael Kakande held a successful closed-door meeting with the COP29 and COP30 Presidencies and Climate Champions on 5th September 2025 during the Africa Climate Week.
This high-level engagement represented not just an important milestone for him as a UNFCCC COP29/30 Impact Maker, but a pivotal moment for all voices from the Global South who continue to champion just, inclusive and transformative climate action.
The meeting highlighted the unwavering commitment of both the COP29 and COP30 Presidencies and the High-Level Climate Champions to prioritize and amplify perspectives from the Global South in the run-up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The intentional centering of these voices reflects a long overdue recognition that climate justice, resilience and sustainable development cannot be achieved without those who are most affected by climate change actively shaping the decisions that govern our shared future.
This dialogue underscores the growing influence and leadership of young African change-makers, who are increasingly stepping into critical roles to shape global climate governance. My leadership embodies this spirit of intergenerational responsibility – bridging grassroots experiences with global policy spaces, and ensuring that African youth and communities on the frontlines of climate change are not just consulted, but truly empowered to drive solutions.
We commend the strong plans unveiled by the COP Presidencies and High-Level Champions to ensure that the road to Belém is paved with inclusive processes, equitable access and meaningful participation. By placing the Global South at the heart of negotiations and outcomes, COP30 has the potential to become a defining moment in delivering climate ambition anchored in justice, equity and resilience.
This closed-door engagement serves as an inspiration for all climate advocates across Africa and beyond. It sends a clear signal that the future of climate diplomacy must be one where diverse voices are not only heard but shape the direction of global agreements. It also validates the tireless advocacy of young leaders who continue to embody resilience, innovation and unwavering dedication to the climate cause.
As we move forward, we look with optimism to COP30 in Brazil. With the strong commitment of the Presidencies, the High-Level Champions and the active involvement of networks like Resilient40 and others, we are confident that this COP will deliver outcomes that are not only ambitious but also inclusive – reflecting the lived realities, aspirations and solutions from the Global South.
May it be the beginning of a strengthened partnership that brings forth transformative action and ensures that Africa and the wider Global South remain at the center of climate decision-making in the decisive decade for climate action.
