Mohammad Asfour

📢 Join us for a side event at the COP16Riyadh as we explore finance for rangeland restoration and resilience. Rangelands are critical ecosystems that support both biodiversity and livelihoods for millions of people, especially in Africa. However, they are increasingly under threat from climate change, land degradation, and unsustainable land-use practices. The challenge of financing restoration efforts in these regions is substantial. This session will discuss innovative approaches to scaling finance for rangeland restoration and resilience, providing practical solutions to drive action on the ground. Experts will highlight successful examples of public-private partnerships, innovative financial mechanisms, and the role of international finance in supporting sustainable rangeland management. A various set of panellists will showcase initiatives aimed at scaling restoration efforts , with a focus on the East and Southern Africa regions. ➡️ See the details below and join us! Luther Anukur, Charles KARANGWA, MBA

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📢 IMPORTANT: Ahead of the Expert Dialogue on #Children and #ClimateChange, The chair of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) of the UNFCCC, Amb. Nabeel Munir, is calling for submissions sharing experience in, and examples of, the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children and relevant policy solutions. 📜 See the notification here:  https://lnkd.in/ejvSTge2 ⏰ What is the deadline?: As soon as possible, and no later than three weeks before the dialogue. ✏️ How can you submit?: By email to [email protected] 😎 Who can submit?: Parties, relevant United Nations entities, international and non-governmental organizations. The Expert Dialogue on Children and Climate Change will take place at the 2024 #BonnClimateConference (SB60) between the 3rd and 13th of June. The agenda for the dialogue will be announced soon and will be available via the SB60 webpage: https://unfccc.int/sb60 Rajib Ghosal, UNICEF, Irfan Ullah Afridi, Save the Children International,

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📬 Our latest newsletter offers insights into Climate Security during COP season: 🎙️ Climate finance, action, and peace at #COP29 (adelph.it/podcast45) 📺 UNCCD's #COP16Riyadh: How ecosystem restoration can foster peace in fragile settings (adelph.it/LandVideo) 🔎 Findings from adelphi’s regional study on cross-border cooperation between #Azerbaijan and #Georgia (adelph.it/AzeGeoCoop) ✍  Opinion: Keeping #ClimateSecurity human-centric (adelph.it/OpedCOP29) Read: adelph.it/10thIssue2024 Subscribe: adelph.it/ECCnewsletter

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🇱🇧 New explainer on climate zones in Lebanon 🇱🇧 Learn how to use the Probable Futures map of climate zones by exploring change and impacts in Lebanon, then apply the model to a place significant to you. Visualize how climate zones are shifting in Lebanon and across its borders at past, recent, and imminent degrees of warming. Get prompts to consider what those changes could mean for us from infrastructure to agriculture, and more.

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Here's a summary of COP16 Riyadh so far: COP16, which kicked off on December 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a crucial milestone in the global fight against desertification, land degradation, and drought.¹ The conference, which will run until December 13, 2024, has brought together over 197 parties, including 196 countries and the European Union. The conference is themed "Our Land. Our Future" and is expected to be a game-changer in accelerating global efforts to restore land and boost drought resilience. COP16 is also significant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Some of the key focus areas of COP16 include: - Land Restoration: Restoring degraded lands to improve biodiversity, reduce poverty, and mitigate climate change. - Drought Resilience: Building resilience to droughts to protect livelihoods, ecosystems, and economies. - Sustainable Land Management: Promoting sustainable land management practices to reduce land degradation and improve land productivity. The conference has also seen the introduction of a dual approach, featuring a Negotiation Track and an Action Agenda, aimed at achieving bold outcomes in formal negotiations and facilitating the implementation of COP decisions. Overall, COP16 Riyadh is poised to make significant strides in addressing the pressing issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought, and in promoting sustainable land management practices globally. #cop16 #riyadh #UNCCD

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Here's a summary of COP16 Riyadh so far: COP16, which kicked off on December 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a crucial milestone in the global fight against desertification, land degradation, and drought.¹ The conference, which will run until December 13, 2024, has brought together over 197 parties, including 196 countries and the European Union. The conference is themed "Our Land. Our Future" and is expected to be a game-changer in accelerating global efforts to restore land and boost drought resilience. COP16 is also significant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Some of the key focus areas of COP16 include: - Land Restoration: Restoring degraded lands to improve biodiversity, reduce poverty, and mitigate climate change. - Drought Resilience: Building resilience to droughts to protect livelihoods, ecosystems, and economies. - Sustainable Land Management: Promoting sustainable land management practices to reduce land degradation and improve land productivity. The conference has also seen the introduction of a dual approach, featuring a Negotiation Track and an Action Agenda, aimed at achieving bold outcomes in formal negotiations and facilitating the implementation of COP decisions. Overall, COP16 Riyadh is poised to make significant strides in addressing the pressing issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought, and in promoting sustainable land management practices globally.

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🌍 As COP29 Azerbaijan unfolds, a critical focus is on the adaptation strategies outlined in the UAE-Belem Work Programme. Understanding these strategies is crucial as nations strive to meet climate goals amid escalating environmental challenges. 🔗 The recent explainer from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) delves into how we can track and measure adaptation progress effectively. This process is fundamental to ensuring that commitments lead to actionable results, particularly for vulnerable communities most impacted by climate change. 💡 Explore how nations can navigate the complex landscape of climate adaptation, ensuring that efforts are not just planned but implemented and adjusted based on real-world effectiveness. 🔗 Read the full explainer here: https://lnkd.in/eEkYa_jj #COP29 #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Adaptation #GlobalGoals #ClimateChange

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Ahead of COP29, ANND has published a position paper that highlights the urgent need for civil society’s voice in climate policy. Check out our insights and recommendations for a sustainable future on our website #COP29 #ClimateJustice #Sustainability

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Please join our webinar on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm as we discuss the Role of Green Financing in the Climate Transition of #MENA markets in partnership with S&P Global I will be moderating a panel composed of Ayla Bajwa - DP World; Razvan Dumitrescu - Emirates NBD Capital; and Rawan Oueidat, CFA- S&P Global Ratings to discuss developments in green financing across the region, and highlight opportunities and challenges to support its climate transition initiatives. Agenda Highlights: • Sustainable financing issuance outlook • The role of sustainable financing to support the region’s transition ambitions • Opportunities and challenges for MENA issuers to secure green financing • Defining green in MENA and the role of regulators and taxonomies Register here to join the webinar: https://lnkd.in/dthBN6cb #GreenFinance #ClimateTransition #MENA #SustainableFinance #greentaxonomy Principles for Responsible Investment

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Halima I. Hussein's seminar shed light on the effectiveness of current public participation tools in driving the renewable energy transition. Access to clean energy is a right required to fulfill development goals and other socioeconomic rights such as the right to education, right to food and the right to health. Hussein explored the current status of public participation in renewable energy policies and projects through the lens of procedural justice (which demands observance of legal processes and access to justice) in Kenya. Her research discovered 12 steps for best-practice public participation in renewable energy projects, but this comprehensive process can delay the much-needed renewable energy transition. To address this, Hussein proposed including community views from the onset at the policy maker level- during review of policy, legislation, and even least cost power development plans. Regular and direct interactions between policymakers and communities through alternative public participation tools such as parliamentary petitions, committee hearings, and sector working groups could build early buy-in to the renewable energy agenda and shorten this process. The seminar highlighted public participation challenges in Kenya, such as inadequate civic education, expensive and ill-timed access to information, and the absence of effective public participation frameworks. Hussein's comparative analysis to the UK, South Africa and India, revealed how effective alternative public participation tools can be for communities, including the use of parliamentary petitions, attending parliamentary committee hearings and recall proceedings for non performing leaders.   Hussein's research underscores the opportunity in investing in effective, efficient and timely public participation to drive a just and sustainable energy transition in sub-saharan Africa. By fostering direct dialogue between policymakers and communities, and leveraging alternative public participation tools, we can overcome current barriers and ensure renewable energy policies and projects align with community needs. #Energyjustice #Energyprojects 

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🌱 Reflections on the “Education as a Tool for Climate Resilience” Panel at COP 29 We are deeply thankful to the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) for inviting us to this important session. Participating in the Education as a Tool for Climate Resilience panel at COP 29 was a profound experience. Our discussion highlighted the urgent need to ensure that education systems are not only adaptive but transformative, addressing the pressing realities of climate change. As I emphasized, there is a critical gap in quality climate education globally, with only 52% of school curricula mentioning climate change. We must urgently work to close this gap to equip young people with the skills they need. At Education Above All Foundation through ROTA program, we integrate green skills within our Education for Climate Action model. This includes targeted, context-specific training in areas such as food security, water conservation, and renewable energy. Our experiential approach empowers youth to lead climate actions and create tangible impacts that we witnessed in our work in Pakistan and Vietnam demonstrate how young people are already driving climate-resilient solutions. In closing, I reflected on the multifaceted nature of climate change. Addressing climate change requires innovation that spans multiple sectors—whether it’s innovation for energy, food security, or fostering climate-driven peace. We need to redefine innovation in this context, understanding that solutions must be diverse and tailored to specific climate challenges. Innovation for climate change is not one-size-fits-all; it must encompass advancements in technology as well as the re-discovery and integration of local and indigenous knowledge to address various aspects of climate resilience. Once again, a heartfelt thank you to QFFD for the invitation and for organizing this vital conversation. I look forward to building on these ideas and collaborating further for a resilient, sustainable future.

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🚀Just launched at #WUF12 in Cairo: The 2024 #Innovate4Cities Outcomes Report is here to spark the future of city #ClimateAction! Co-developed by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) & Melbourne Centre for Cities, this comprehensive report consolidates breakthrough insights from #I4C24, where nearly 2,000 experts met to advance sustainable urban transformations. ICSI is proud to have played a key role as part of the Advisory Committee for #I4C24 and supported delivery of the conference. 🔍 Core advancements include: ➜ An updated Global Research & Action Agenda on Cities and Climate Change Science (GRAA) ➜ A holistic, inclusive, and ambitious digital transformation - as seen at the AI x City Climate Action Hackathon - identifying pathways to unlock the data, evidence, and interdisciplinary partnerships needed to convert climate plans into action implementation ➜ The Climate Innovation Readiness Navigator for Cities and Local Governments (CIRN), a methodology developed in partnership with @‌Arup to help cities enhance their readiness to engage each other in innovative climate action. ➡ Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dymu4ncT

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🚀Just launched at #WUF12 in Cairo: The 2024 #Innovate4Cities Outcomes Report is here to spark the future of city #ClimateAction! Co-developed by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) & Melbourne Centre for Cities, this comprehensive report consolidates breakthrough insights from #I4C24, where nearly 2,000 experts met to advance sustainable urban transformations. 🔍 Core advancements include: ➜ An updated Global Research & Action Agenda on Cities and Climate Change Science (GRAA) ➜ A holistic, inclusive, and ambitious digital transformation - as seen at the AI x City Climate Action Hackathon - identifying pathways to unlock the data, evidence, and interdisciplinary partnerships needed to convert climate plans into action implementation ➜ The Climate Innovation Readiness Navigator for Cities and Local Governments (CIRN), a methodology developed in partnership with @‌Arup to help cities enhance their readiness to engage each other in innovative climate action. Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dymu4ncT

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🚀Just launched at #WUF12 in Cairo: The 2024 #Innovate4Cities Outcomes Report is here to spark the future of city #ClimateAction! Co-developed by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) & Melbourne Centre for Cities, this comprehensive report consolidates breakthrough insights from #I4C24, where nearly 2,000 experts met to advance sustainable urban transformations. 🔍 Core advancements include: ➜ An updated Global Research & Action Agenda on Cities and Climate Change Science (GRAA) ➜ A holistic, inclusive, and ambitious digital transformation - as seen at the AI x City Climate Action Hackathon - identifying pathways to unlock the data, evidence, and interdisciplinary partnerships needed to convert climate plans into action implementation ➜ The Climate Innovation Readiness Navigator for Cities and Local Governments (CIRN), a methodology developed in partnership with @‌Arup to help cities enhance their readiness to engage each other in innovative climate action. Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dymu4ncT

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OCCASIONAL PAPER SERIES | Climate Priorities in the Middle East and North Africa The Wilson Center Middle East Program and ECSP's latest publication by Taylor Luck examines climate strategies and actions in MENA and provides recommendations to boost adaptation, mitigation, and resilience efforts in a region on the frontlines of climate change. This analytical overview confirms that, while climate change is a risk multiplier, climate action can also be incorporated into de-escalation and peace-making efforts. Check it out here ⬇️

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Al Gore's talk at the COP29 conference clearly states our climate problem: it's the oil and gas companies! We have to work together and continue working to install renewable energy systems (sun, wind, etc.). This short excerpt of this talk is terrific! Please share it widely!

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Al Gore's talk at the COP29 conference clearly states our climate problem: it's the oil and gas companies! We have to work together and continue working to install renewable energy systems (sun, wind, etc.). This short excerpt of this talk is terrific! Please share it widely!

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Powerful Wrap-Up of Today’s Side Event: Cultivating Change for Land Degradation Neutrality Through Evidence-Based Policy and Practice Today, on December 6th, at COP16Riyadh, we had an exceptional side event on Cultivating Change for Land Degradation Neutrality Through Evidence-Based Policy and Practice. Moderated by Christine Magaju, this event brought together a diverse group of experts who shared invaluable insights and strategies to combat land degradation and promote sustainable land management. Key Highlights and Takeaways: Rebbie Harawa Robbie highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to create sustainable land management practices. He stressed the role of community involvement in ensuring the success of restoration projects. Sara Omi Sara shared her experiences from indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in land restoration. She advocated for policies that protect indigenous rights and integrate their knowledge into land management strategies. Lokesh Goud Dabbi Lokesh focused on the role of technology in monitoring and managing soil health. He highlighted innovative tools and techniques that can provide accurate data to guide restoration efforts and policy decisions. Martina Fleckenstein Martina discussed the significance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving LDN. She emphasized the need for integrated approaches that consider environmental, social, and economic factors in policy-making. Chaney St. Martin Chaney highlighted the role of international cooperation in addressing land degradation. She shared examples of successful global initiatives and stressed the importance of aligning national policies with international sustainability goals. Fernanda Aline ,Aline emphasized the need for practical support tools that can help farmers adopt sustainable practices. She discussed the importance of capacity building and continuous education to ensure effective implementation of restoration strategies. Tor-Gunnar Vågen, shared insights on the Land Degradation Surveillance Framework (LDSF) and its applications in assessing and monitoring soil health. He highlighted the importance of robust data and SMART indicators in guiding restoration efforts. Anuja Malhotra focused on gender inclusivity in land restoration initiatives. She stressed the importance of empowering women and ensuring their active participation in land management and policy-making processes. #SoilHealth #LandRestoration #LDN #COP16RIYADH

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🌍 #COP16Riyadh is a crucial moment to advance global efforts on land restoration and drought resilience. Follow WRI Africa & UN Convention to Combat Desertification as we join global leaders to shape land-centered solutions for a better future for people, nature and climate ➡️ https://bit.ly/4fNqkbd

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