Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, and Africa, in particular, stands at the forefront of its impacts. The continent is experiencing a wide array of climate-related issues, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, desertification, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity, which significantly affect vulnerable communities and ecosystems. To combat these challenges, it is crucial to strengthen climate change communication and foster collective action among all stakeholders.

The one-day round table conference on the theme “From Vulnerability to Resilience: Towards Effective Climate Change Communication Strategies for Africa” is being organized with the primary objective of addressing the critical need for improved climate change communication across the continent. By bringing together key stakeholders, experts, policymakers, and communicators, the conference seeks to create a unique platform for constructive dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange to build capacity towards climate change communication strategies for Africa.

The key aims of the conference are as follows:

1) Enhancing Awareness: Despite the far-reaching impacts of climate change on Africa, public awareness and understanding of the issue remain insufficient. The Round Table aims to shed light on the gravity of the situation, presenting up-to-date scientific findings, case studies, and real-life experiences to educate participants and the wider audience about the urgency and severity of climate change in Africa.

2) Promoting Engagement: Effective climate change communication requires engagement at all levels of society. The Round Table intends to encourage active participation from diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations, academia, businesses, and the media. By fostering an inclusive environment, the conference aims to harness the collective wisdom and ideas needed to address climate challenges effectively.

3) Sharing Knowledge: Africa is a vast and diverse continent, each region facing unique climate-related challenges. The Round Table will serve as a platform for experts and practitioners to share best practices, successful initiatives, and lessons learned in climate change communication. By exchanging knowledge, participants can identify successful approaches and strategies that can be adapted and implemented across various African contexts.

4) Discussing Challenges: appreciating obstacles hindering effective climate change communication is vital for progress. The Round Table will facilitate open discussions about the barriers, ranging from lack of resources and technological limitations to cultural and linguistic considerations. Identifying challenges will pave the way fordeveloping tailored and effective communication strategies.

The round table conference will center its discussions around the following main themes:

1) Communicating Climate Resilience in African Rural and Urban Areas: This session will address the challenges and opportunities of communicating climate resilience in rapidly growing urban areas in Africa. It will focus on innovative strategies to prepare cities for climate change impacts and ways to reduce carbon footprints in urban settings.

2) Media and Communicators Role in Climate Change Mitigation: This session will emphasize the crucial role of media and communicators in disseminating accurate and accessible climate change information. It will explore how effective storytelling, data visualization, and social media can drive behavioral change and encourage individuals and communities to take mitigating actions.

The round table conference is designed to encourage active participation and meaningful dialogue among participants. The format will include:

Keynote Address: A prominent expert will deliver an opening keynote speech, providing valuable insights and setting the tone for the discussions ahead.

Panel Discussions: Diverse panels of experts, policymakers, and communicators will engage in interactive discussions, addressing specific aspects of each theme.

Mini Exhibition: This exhibition aims to showcase innovative and sustainable solutions, technologies, and projects that contribute to climate resilience and effective climate change communication in Africa.

Networking Opportunities: Informal networking sessions during breaks will facilitate connections and potential collaborations among attendees.

As a prelude to the main conference to be held next year, this one-day round table conference aims to lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive and impactful event in the future. The one- day round table conference aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Enhanced awareness and understanding of the need for effective climate change communication strategies.
• Strengthened collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders working towards climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Identification of innovative approaches and tools to engage diverse audiences in climate action.

The round table conference welcomes participants from academia, research institutions, government agencies, NGOs, media organizations, youth groups, and international bodies. The event encourages attendance from diverse backgrounds, including scientists, policymakers, journalists, communicators, educators, and students.

DATE: September 26, 2023
VENUE: UniMAC Campus Dzorwulu 
Time: 08: 30am