The African Union Commission (AUC), supported by the European Union and key partners, is hosting a joint forum in Windhoek, Namibia. This high-level meeting, scheduled for 23–27 June 2025, aims to promote climate action and strengthen ClimSA SEWA Africa resilience through climate and weather services.
The five-day forum brings together more than 300 participants from 49 African countries, including Caribbean and Pacific counterparts. Attendees include government officials, regional bodies, civil society, academia, media, youth groups, gender advocates, private sector actors, and technical partners.
Participants represent institutions such as Regional Economic Communities (RECs), six Regional Climate Centres (RCCs), and the African Ministerial Conferences on Environment (AMCEN), Meteorology (AMCOMET), and Water (AMCOW). Other collaborators include the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UNDP, UNEP, the European Space Agency (ESA), EUMETSAT, and the Joint Research Centre (JRC).
The forum aims to boost collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and climate service users across Africa. It will spotlight how integrated weather and climate data can drive policies that foster economic resilience, reduce risk, and protect vulnerable communities.
In his opening address, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) at the AUC, His Excellency Moses Vilakati, described Africa’s climate vulnerability as complex and multi-layered. He noted that climate-sensitive sectors dominate employment, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 62% of the workforce depends on agriculture.
“African croplands rely heavily on rainfall—over 95% of them,” he said. “So, financing climate services should be seen not as a cost, but as a vital investment in resilience.”
Also speaking, European Union Ambassador to Namibia, Her Excellency Ana Beatriz Martins, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Africa. She emphasized that strengthening early warning systems and sustainable development remains a shared priority.
“The EU stands with Africa in line with the African Union Strategy on Climate Change and the AMHEWAS initiative,” Martins stated.
The event showcases the tangible results of climate services under the ClimSA and SEWA programmes. ClimSA offers user-tailored services across agriculture, health, energy, and disaster management. Meanwhile, SEWA leverages satellite data to improve multi-hazard early warning systems and enable proactive disaster response.
Both programmes serve as continental cornerstones for delivering actionable climate intelligence. They help implement key frameworks, such as the African Integrated Meteorological Strategy, the AU Plan on Climate Resilience, the SDGs, and the Paris Agreement.
They are also aligned with the ClimSA SEWA Africa resilience agenda and support the Early Warnings for All initiative. The Windhoek Declaration—expected to emerge from the forum—will call for greater financial commitment and innovative funding mechanisms to manage loss and damage.
In addition, the event promotes South-South learning by sharing knowledge between Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific nations. This approach is essential for building joint strategies, strengthening partnerships, and exchanging solutions for resilience.
The forum strongly encourages improved coordination among RECs, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), disaster agencies, and international stakeholders.
Ultimately, this joint forum marks a significant step toward building resilient African economies and communities through inclusive and science-driven solutions.
