On 1 September, in Libreville (Gabon), the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) participated in the Africa Climate Week (ACW 2022) during a side event under with the theme “Roles of the Congo Basin rainforest, biosphere reserves, and World Heritage Sites in climate change resilience and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Central Africa.” Discussions also focused on the link between climate change and the environmental degradation of the Congo Basin rainforest, and peace and security in Central Africa. The Congo Basin rainforest has been identified as one of the key areas where climate change impact is aggravating human, national and regional security. The forest - a prime livelihood provider for 80 million people - is a global asset for climate action, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

UNOCA experts noted the critical importance of mobilizing sustainable and inclusive climate finance for the sub-region. They highlighted that climate actions need to be designed in an inclusive manner, integrating peace and security aspects. UNOCA commended Central Africa for positioning itself as an essential player in the global fight against climate change, including for the mobilization of effective international partnerships and climate finance. It had also encouraged regional actors such as the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to continue to play a strong leadership role, develop a regional vision for climate action, and catalyze the rich resources in the sub-region for an effective engagement.

The side event, organized in a hybrid format by UNOCA in partnership with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), brought together over 100 participants. ACW 2022 run from 29 August to 2 September, in Libreville, Gabon, as a key step on the road to the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 27), to be held in November, in Egypt.