Part three of a five-part series on ‘A Transformative Week for Africa’s Sustainable Future‘ featuring the week of September 4, 2023 

Africa Climate Week (ACW), conducted in parallel with the Africa Climate Summit, facilitated meaningful dialogues on climate solutions, addressing barriers and identifying opportunities across different regions. This collective effort brought together policymakers, businesses, and civil society actors in preparation of the first global stock-take concluding at COP28, the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, in UAE.

The event brought together more than 10,000 participants from governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector and civil society from across the African continent and the world to discuss and strategize climate solutions, representing a global and African perspective. 

The Africa Climate Week considered four major systems-based tracks with a view to providing region-focused contributions to inform the global stock-take on: 

• Energy systems and industry
• Cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure, and transport
• Land, ocean, food, and water
• Societies, health, livelihoods, and economies 

These tracks laid the framework for robust discussions and strategies aimed at addressing the urgent global climate crisis, emphasizing the significance of cooperative initiatives to drive transformative change. 

The ACW addressed the pressing crisis of climate change through cooperation and forward-thinking initiatives to drive transformative action. Dalberg’s involvement in ACW was multifaceted, with a focus on supporting our clients in preparing for, and actively participating in, the summit. Notably, the Nairobi Climate Network (NCN), a key initiative with Dalberg as lead sponsor, hosted an engaging side event during the summit. This event delved into insights from the “Perspectives from Africa’s Climate Leaders” report as well as the NCN’s plans to expand into the Africa Climate Network. 

The Africa Climate Summit was a pivotal moment in climate action for Africa. Climate change is not just one industry – it’s a whole collection of different actors, industries and solutions coming together to solve a systemic problem. We’re excited to grow The Climate Network to build connections and collaboration across these actors and to help accelerate collective action for climate positive change across the continent.

– Flavia Howard, Co-Founder, Nairobi Climate Network

At Dalberg, we believe climate action is intertwined with global prosperity and equitable development. We are committed to supporting our clients and leading by example. Dalberg has committed to the UN Global Compact Business Ambition for 1.5 degrees, aligning with efforts to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Our pledge includes reducing our per-person carbon footprint by 55% by 2025 and reducing plastic use by 30%, in accordance with Science Based Targets and UN guidelines.  

Dalberg’s extensive work on climate spans five broad expertise areas: 

• Renewable Energy and Green Industries  
• Natural Capital 
• Food Systems and Agriculture 
• Health, and Cities 
• Infrastructure and Mobility 

At Dalberg, we operate at the intersection of various critical climate-focused areas. Two key drivers that cut across these domains are Climate Finance and Climate Policies. These enablers are fundamental to the success of our initiatives, ensuring that our projects align with sustainability goals and global climate agendas. 

Furthermore, we are steadfastly committed to a holistic approach to change. At the heart of our work lies the “triple lens” that encompasses Climate, Gender, and Racial Equity. This perspective is integrated into every project we undertake, irrespective of the specific topic or client’s initial request. This integrated perspective underscores our interest in crafting solutions that are not only sustainable but also inclusive and equitable in nature.