Between November 11th and 22nd, delegates from around the world converged in the stunning city of Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Conference of Parties (CoP 29). In the midst of the event’s glamour and hysteria, GIFSEP was on the ground, diligently observing the negotiations on adaptation and showcasing the remarkable resilience of Africa’s vulnerable communities in tackling the climate crisis.

As an accredited observer organization to the UNFCCC, GIFSEP participated with a clear mission: to highlight both progress and gaps within the negotiations while amplifying the urgent demands of the African Climate Caravan on the global stage. We called for the Global North to provide grants instead of loans for climate finance. Through impactful side events and media appearances, we shared powerful stories of GIFSEP’s work with communities in Nigeria and built strategic partnerships aimed at fostering a sustainable future.

We witnessed the CoP presidency announce a new Collective Quantified Goal for Climate Finance, aiming for $300 billion for developed countries to lead in this crucial area. While this ambition fell short of the trillion-dollar figure sought by developing countries, CoP 29 was a step forward. Though it may not have ignited overwhelming hope, it laid the groundwork for meaningful progress.