Healing with Morocco and Libya Disaster Victims virtual convening

GUD board member, Tabi Joda, hosted a virtual event focused on building climate resilience across Africa. The gathering brought together leaders from diverse sectors to address the recent devastating flooding in Morocco and Libya and discuss strategies to strengthen early warning and early action systems across the continent.

With climate change exacerbating natural disasters, establishing effective resilience measures is crucial, especially for vulnerable communities. This convening explored how to leverage multi-sector collaboration and indigenous knowledge to enhance preparedness and protect lives and livelihoods.

Meaningful insights were contributed by various agencies working to mitigate climate risks in Africa, including the African Union, NEPAD, and experts from the scientific community. Participants emphasized the need for inclusive systems that bridge gaps between civil society, government, and the private sector to promote evidence-based planning and rapid response to climate shocks.

There was strong emphasis on centering local communities and their unique environment-based knowledge in development of early warning systems and resilience plans. Many also highlighted the importance of addressing underlying inequalities that amplify climate vulnerability.

This gathering marked an important step in catalyzing a more integrated approach to building climate resilience in Africa that brings together stakeholders across all of society. The robust discussions and ideas shared will help guide efforts to establish effective early warning systems, mobilize investment into adaptation solutions, and ensure no one is left behind as the impacts of climate change accelerate.