Malawi calls for global climate action support at COP29
Malawi’s environmental officers are making an urgent call for international support at the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, to address the country’s escalating climate challenges and bolster resilience efforts.
Yamikani Idriss, an environmental officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources and the leader on climate change under the Office of the Chairperson for Least Developed Countries, emphasizes the critical role of global cooperation in Malawi’s climate fight.
“We are not just facing climate change; we are confronting a crisis,” says Idriss.
“The recent cyclones and storms have shown how vulnerable we are, and the time for resilient, robust solutions is now. We need committed, sustained assistance from our international partners if we are to build a future that can withstand these impacts.”
Idriss and the Malawian delegation at COP29 are pushing for targeted funding and partnerships that will support adaptation projects, infrastructure improvements, and capacity-building initiatives.
This effort follows a string of extreme weather events like cyclones and droughts that have devastated communities, displaced thousands, and strained the nation’s limited resources.
Malawi’s plea at COP29 aligns with the broader goals of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group, advocating for fair, accessible funding mechanisms to help nations most affected by climate change.
“The resilience we need cannot happen in isolation,” Idriss adds.
“We already have our stand and we just need that stand to be made by many voices. COP29 is a platform to bring these pressing needs to the global table. We seek to unite voices, urging nations to recognize the immediacy and severity of what countries like Malawi are facing.”
The COP29 conference, scheduled to run from today and conclude next Friday, has gathered global leaders, climate activists, and environmental experts to discuss and negotiate climate policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing global adaptation strategies.
About The Author
