COP28's call for a just, equitable, and inclusive energy transition

Several PN Members joined forces during COP28, reaffirming a deep commitment to working better together and signaling strong momentum for wider partnerships that include EDFIs and JEFIC. This collaboration has the objective to secure the right financing and the most relevant technical expertise to deliver climate results and advance sustainable development at scale.  

“In these difficult times for climate, we do more than ever need to act together and align human capacities with financial resources”. Jeremie Pellet, Expertise France and Practitioners Network for European Development Cooperation President. 

Empowering the Global South Through Green Innovations 

The panel discussion organised by ESTDEV, entitled "Twin Transition in Global South - What’s Cooking, Team Europe?" witnessed DG INTPA, Enabel, Expertise France, and GIZ joining forces to amplify green technology innovations. The Digital and Green Innovation Action goes beyond technology and focuses on reshaping the future of the Global South from the ground up by developing local innovations. 

Optimism Grows for Food Systems and Agriculture 

In a significant shift, Food Systems and Agriculture are now prominently featured on the UNFCCC agenda, a stark contrast to five years ago when agriculture was not even on the table. The Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, endorsed by 158 world leaders, surpasses past declarations (such as the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use), highlighting progress in the sector. 

However, the urgency in financing, scaling, and accelerating the transformation of energy and food systems towards climate resilience remains lacking. In this line, the session on "Pathways to financing, scaling, and accelerating NDC ambitions in energy and food systems transformation," co-organized by CGIAR, SNV, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Global Alliance for the Future of Food (GAFF), Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), Rabobank, featured a high-level mixed panel discussing recommendations and advocating for effective collaboration across food and energy issues. 

COP28 has underscored the imperative of a just, equitable, and inclusive energy transition. The discussions have made it abundantly clear that our commitment to leaving no one behind is non-negotiable. To achieve this, courageous leadership is essential, transcending sectors to (re)build trust, foster collaborations, and implement sustainable solutions. The crux lies in accelerating the transference of power, leading to transformative changes in our systems. The resounding message is unequivocal: without a commitment to justice and inclusivity, there can be no genuine energy transition.   

Additionally, COP28 has highlighted the vital role of bringing the voices of those who are most affected by climate change into the discussion. The recognition of the importance of these voices extends beyond rhetoric, inspiring faster and more scalable actions on the ground. It emphasises the need to empower and amplify local perspectives, acknowledging their unique insights and contributions to the global climate effort. As we navigate the complexities of climate action, these dual imperatives of justice within the transition and the amplification of local voices emerge as guiding principles for meaningful change. 

In this context, the role of the Practitioners´Network becomes even more valuable in the international cooperation landscape. The Practitioners´Network unites a distinctive blend of field experience, expertise, adeptness in challenging environments, and the capability to translate policy into practical actions.