Nairobi: Global leaders are calling for the decentralisation of climate adaptation policies and financing to ensure resources reach the most vulnerable populations. The leaders have convened in Nairobi for the Vatican African Conference on Climate Resilience with a shared mission to chart a roadmap for a climate-resilient Africa, one that prioritises local communities and grassroots actors in climate adaptation efforts.
According to Kenya News Agency, the two-day high-level summit was held on 30 June and 1 July 2025 under the theme ‘From climate crisis to climate resilience in Africa: A local and regional approach’ and aims to forge a resilient climate future for Africa. With a focus on locally led climate resilience, the event gathered government leaders, church representatives, African Union leaders, researchers, community voices, and innovators to co-create actionable strategies that reflect the continent’s diverse environmental, socio-economic, political, and cultural contexts.
The summit, hosted at the CIFOR-ICRAF campus, was co-convened by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) and supported by partners including the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC). Speaking during the summit, Chair of Kenya’s Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change Committee Wilber Ottichilo said that African countries have been challenged to invest in local climate adaptation strategies that would help curb the rampant climate shocks being witnessed.
He highlighted that Africa faces unique and formidable challenges in building resilience to climate change, underscoring the equity dimension and stating that while climate change is a global phenomenon, its impacts vary across countries and communities. ‘Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are having a devastating impact on our communities, our economies, and our ecosystems,’ he said.
Ottichilo further mentioned that the African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that climate change could cost Africa between 5 to 10 billion US Dollars annually by 2025, potentially rising to 50 billion US dollars by 2050 if no actions are taken to mitigate impacts. ‘These challenges need increased support, funding, and capacity building to help Africa, Kenya included, adapt to climate change and build resilience,’ he added.
He noted that Kenya faces significant challenges in building resilience to climate change, impacting various sectors and communities. Some key challenges include limited resources, extreme weather patterns, and frequent droughts and floods, with droughts being a major concern, especially in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), which cover 75 percent of the country.
Ottichilo, who is also the Governor of Vihiga County, underscored the strides made by African countries, particularly Kenya, in the climate space in regard to locally led climate resilience, innovative climate finance, and science-driven solutions. ‘As leaders and as Council of Governors, we will focus and explore ways to scale up climate action and resilience, promote sustainable development, and support vulnerable communities,’ he said.
CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF Eliane Ubalijoro stated that across Africa, communities are already demonstrating that local knowledge, regenerative practices, and nature-based solutions are powerful tools for climate resilience. ‘As we confront the escalating climate crisis, we must amplify these efforts and invest in integrated, inclusive approaches that bridge science, policy, and action,’ she said, adding that the summit would spotlight African leadership in shaping a climate-resilient future.
Executive Director of NASAC Dr. Jackie Kado emphasized that ‘Africa’s climate challenges demanded solutions rooted in science, informed by local realities, and driven by inclusive partnerships.’ Kado explained that this summit is a crucial step toward empowering cities and communities to lead on climate resilience through innovation, solidarity, and determined action on this transformative agenda.
Member of the Council of PASS Chancellor Marcelo Su¡rez-Orozco remarked that the Church plays a vital role in championing climate resilience and sustainability by highlighting the importance of climate scientists’ collaboration with them to demystify faith and science. ‘Faith and science are complementary endeavors to get in front of the most challenging obstacles,’ he said, adding, ‘Climate change knows no borders; all of us feel its cruel effects.’
This pivotal gathering will contribute to the development of city and regional protocols for climate resilience, serving as key inputs to COP30, COP31, and the final Vatican Summit in 2026. It also aims to catalyse capacity-building initiatives that will empower communities across Africa to implement climate solutions from the ground up.