Introduction
Africa has been an important normative and negotiating actor in the global climate regime, particularly on adaptation, climate justice, equity, loss and damage, and the operationalization of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). However, it is recognized that leadership in global climate governance cannot be assumed simply because African priorities are articulated or defended in negotiations. Leadership must be understood as the capacity to shape agendas, influence norms, design institutions, build coalitions, and develop practical solutions that improve outcomes for all Parties.
The Fourteenth Conference of Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XIV) therefore introduces a more demanding framing: moving beyond strengthening African climate leadership toward strengthening African agency in shaping the rules, institutions, norms, implementation architectures, and political bargains that define global climate governance.
