Evaluating the Meaningful Engagement of African Civil Society Organizations in the UNFCCC Conference of Parties: Lessons for Equity, Inclusion, Impact, and Pathways to ‘Leave No One Behind’, 2021–2025
Conference | Online
-
Organized by:
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) - CSOs Global Network and Think-tank
- In partnership with: Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN), African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) , Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and the COPs, Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria (CSP-SDGs Nigeria) , Dr Uzo Adirieje Foundation (DUZAFOUND) , City and Hamlet Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society , Institute of Civil Society Activities (ICSA)
About the Event
The UNFCCC COP has become a major international platform where sustainability policies are negotiated and adopted, focusing on climate change mitigation, adaptation, sustainable energy, climate finance, deforestation, and land use. As a result, decisions made by each COP directly affect African civil society organizations (CSOs). These include decisions on Sustainability Areas, Climate Action, Agreements on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Clean Energy Financing and technology, Water Resources, Forests and Biodiversity, REDD+ programs and conservation funding, Sustainable Agriculture/Climate-smart farming and food security initiatives; all of which have the greatest impactful consequences on Africa where proven climate mitigation and adaptation mechanisms are poorly implemented and largely lacking.
a) Purpose of the event: The purpose of the Event is to assess and enhance the inclusivity, effectiveness, and impact of their participation of African CSOs in the UNFCCC’s COPs and global climate negotiations; in order to ensure that African CSOs can influence climate policies and actions in a manner that promotes equity and leaves no one behind.
The target audience includes civil society actors, UNFCCC leaders, COPs host countries and aspiring host countries, evaluators, young professionals, funders and governments.
By attending, participants will learn the extent to which African CSOs have been meaningfully involved in shaping planning and implementing the COPs and climate policies, particularly in areas critical to the continent, such as adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance; identifying successes and areas needing improvement in policy influence.
b) Event type and format: This Event will be hosted online using Zoom, and every participant will have the opportunity to speak, ask questions, express concerns, and make inputs
c) Speakers and moderators: Speakers and Moderators have been invited as critical stakeholders in climate change and civil society. They are expected to bring specific professional experience, academic expertise, and perspective to the topic.
d) Language: This Event will be conducted in English.
a) Purpose of the event: The purpose of the Event is to assess and enhance the inclusivity, effectiveness, and impact of their participation of African CSOs in the UNFCCC’s COPs and global climate negotiations; in order to ensure that African CSOs can influence climate policies and actions in a manner that promotes equity and leaves no one behind.
The target audience includes civil society actors, UNFCCC leaders, COPs host countries and aspiring host countries, evaluators, young professionals, funders and governments.
By attending, participants will learn the extent to which African CSOs have been meaningfully involved in shaping planning and implementing the COPs and climate policies, particularly in areas critical to the continent, such as adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance; identifying successes and areas needing improvement in policy influence.
b) Event type and format: This Event will be hosted online using Zoom, and every participant will have the opportunity to speak, ask questions, express concerns, and make inputs
c) Speakers and moderators: Speakers and Moderators have been invited as critical stakeholders in climate change and civil society. They are expected to bring specific professional experience, academic expertise, and perspective to the topic.
d) Language: This Event will be conducted in English.
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje | Chief Executive Officer/Programmes Director | Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is an Evaluation expert who drafted Nigeria’s national M&E policy, was President of Nigeria Association of Evaluators (2019–2022), leads Afrihealth Optonet Association, chairs Global CSOs Consortium on Climate Change & COPs. He integrates M&E with climate change and the SDGs |
Moderators
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje | Evaluation Consultant and Climate Advocate | Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a distinguished Nigerian health economist, evaluator, and climate change advocate with over 15 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), health systems strengthening, and sustainable development. He is the CEO of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), a pan-African/global civil society network focused on health, environment, community engagements and sustainable development goals (SDGs). As a pioneer Fellow and former National President (2019–2022) of the Nigerian Association of Evaluators, Adirieje was a consultant that drafted Nigeria’s National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy. He has led numerous M&E initiatives across Nigeria, including evaluations of health sector programs, SDGs, immunization campaigns, and HIV/AIDS interventions, collaborating with organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Global Fund. Dr. Adirieje is also a prominent voice in climate change advocacy. He serves as Chair of the Global Consortium of Civil Society on Climate Change and COPs. His work emphasizes integrating biodiversity, renewable energy, and ecosystem services into development, aligning with the SDGs. An active participant in global evaluation, Adirieje received the 2022 Recognition Award from the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation (IOCE) for his enduring commitment and valuable contributions. He’s a Member of Nigeria’s Core Working Group on Voluntary National Reviews of SDGs, contributed to Nigeria’s national evaluations of SDGs 3&4 and was involved in the 7th International Conference on National Evaluation Capacities (NEC 2022). Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Adirieje is a committed advocate for gender equity and social inclusion. He leads initiatives such as the Disability, Elderly, Women, Vulnerable, and Youth (DEWVY) Project and has been recognized for his efforts to end gender-based violence, including being named a '1000 Voices Fellow' by Every Woman Treaty in 2021. Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje's multifaceted contributions continue to shape health, development, and environmental policies in Nigeria and across the Global South. |