A group from the Centre Arrupe Madagascar – a Jesuit Missions’ partner organisation – are attending COP29. Keep up to date with what Patricia, Efa and Henintsoa get up to with daily reports from the conference:
- Thursday 21 November
On the eve of the last day of COP29, some pavilions have already started to pack their bags, while others continue to warmly welcome their visitors, explaining their commitments and calling for increased support. While some conferences have attracted only a small audience, the negotiations continue, with palpable intensity. The outcome of the discussions remains uncertain, but the commitment of the climate justice actors does not weaken.
These pavilions are a powerful reminder that the challenges to be met are numerous, but also that the will of the actors to move things forward and save our “common home” is very strong. Despite the difficulties, power struggles persist, particularly around the negotiations on financing: determining the financial aid from developed countries to developing countries, to allow them to develop without resorting to fossil fuels and to adapt to the effects of an increasingly extreme climate.
What hope can we expect from the outcome of this finance COP?
While many continue to demand better access to climate finance for developing countries, one particular moment caught our attention: the intervention of Father Fabian Onyekachi, CSSp, of VIVAT International, during one of the last side-events entitled Faith and Justice in Ecological Transition. This event, which brought together several Catholic organisations, highlighted the importance of faith and justice in the ecological transition.
Fr. Kachi mentioned that solidarity goes beyond the fight against hunger and poverty; it involves building a human community where freedom has a concrete meaning and where the poorest can share equitably with the richest. Climate and postcolonial justice raise crucial questions about the links between colonialism and climate change. UN Resolution 1803 (1962) underlines the sovereignty of States over their natural resources for national development and the well-being of populations.
A legally binding instrument on the Right to Development (RtD) would create conditions conducive to development and human rights. RtD, key to climate justice, must equitably address the environmental and development needs of present and future generations, as stipulated in the Rio Declaration (1992), the Vienna Declaration (1993) and the Paris Agreement.
The 2030 Agenda, anchored in RtD, reaffirms the principles of major UN conferences and promotes sustainable development based on justice. - Wednesday 20 November
The atmosphere in the hallways of COP29 remains active, with protests and calls for urgent climate justice being heard. On our side, the Centre Arrupe Madagascar team continued working to maximise our meetings with potential partners. Our goal is clear: to strengthen our network and gain more support for our projects aimed at promoting integral ecology in Madagascar.
A highlight of the day was the interview conducted by Annia Klein, Communications Officer at CIDSE (Coopération Internationale pour le Développement et la Solidarité), with Efa, representative of the Centre Arrupe Madagascar.
During the interview, Efa shared thoughts on several crucial issues related to climate commitments. Regarding strategies to ensure nations meet their commitments, he emphasised the importance of measurable and realistic goals, supported by strong monitoring mechanisms and multi-sector coordination.
Efa also highlighted the importance of capacity building to enable vulnerable countries to master climate finance mechanisms. This capacity building is critical for Global South countries to access climate finance more effectively and use it optimally in their adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Regarding expectations for future Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3), he stressed the need to increase ambitions, particularly by integrating long-term resilience and adaptation strategies, while promoting innovative approaches in key sectors such as energy and agriculture, for example.
To improve international mechanisms, Efa emphasised the importance of strengthening developing countries access to climate finance and simplifying procedures to include more local actors. He also discussed the relevance of creating national and local funds dedicated to combating climate change, aligning financing with local and national priorities.
As we approach the final stretch of COP29, we remain hopeful and determined to continue our efforts until the end. Every exchange, every meeting, and every discussion brings us closer to our goal of strengthening climate solidarity and further amplifying the voices of the Global South. - Tuesday 19 November
As COP29 in Baku enters its final stages, our experience continues to be one of immense learning and information acquisition. We have gained valuable insights into the operations of various pavilions, the activities taking place in side event rooms, meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces for special side events. We have also become familiar with the logistics of plenary sessions and the media center zones. Despite our long-standing engagement in climate activities, this event has provided us with new learning opportunities, aligning with one of our primary objectives for attending COP29: to absorb as much knowledge as possible about the workings of the Conference of the Parties (COP).
Our second key objective at COP29 is to advocate for the Jesuits Global Statement on Climate Justice. We have attended numerous activities hosted by different country pavilions, including conferences, meetings with government representatives, side events, press conferences, and informal discussions. These engagements have underscored the critical importance of Jesuit advocacy for climate justice. Notably, energy transition emerged as the dominant theme of the Jesuit Global Statement on Climate Justice for COP29. While issues such as loss and damage were also discussed, they received less attention, and there was little focus on climate debt cancellation. As the conference nears its conclusion, energy transition remains the central focus of most participants.
The third objective of our participation in COP29 is to promote Madagascar’s goals, emphasising that the country is a hub for climate solutions and actions. Through the Centre Arrupe Madagascar, we are highlighting various projects aimed at adaptation, mitigation, addressing loss and damage, promoting climate justice in mining, and conducting climate-related research. A key moment for us was the session at the Madagascar Pavilion titled “Water, Agriculture, and Food Nexus: Challenges and Opportunities in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).” This panel brought together experts from the World Food Program, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of WASH Madagascar, and the Jesuit Center for Ecology and Development (JCED) Malawi to discuss strategies for addressing these interconnected challenges. Madagascar, as one of the LDCs, faces significant barriers to addressing climate change, including limited financial and technological resources, as well as a lack of sufficient knowledge to implement effective adaptation measures. Therefore, adopting an integrated approach that combines water, agriculture, and food security is critical to enhancing resilience and fostering sustainable development for the population. The participation of JCED was particularly valuable, as it provided a platform to exchange experiences and compare the challenges and opportunities within this nexus between Madagascar and Malawi.
Despite the efforts underway, there is still hope when we see the solutions and actions being taken. However, the issue of securing effective climate finance remains a central point for negotiation and continued advocacy. As citizens from the global south, we often feel small, vulnerable, and powerless in the face of these challenges. The governments of the global north, particularly those with large fossil fuel industries, do not face the same water, agriculture, and food security issues. Even nations situated in desert regions often have the financial means to overcome these challenges, ensuring their populations have access to the resources they need. In contrast, developing countries like Madagascar, which hold immense potential in biodiversity, water, and land resources, are witnessing the destruction of these assets, making access to food increasingly difficult due to climate change. This stark contradiction highlights the need for greater political will and more effective climate finance. These are critical advocacy areas for climate activists moving forward.
As Pope Francis stated, “the cry of the Earth is intimately linked with the cry of the poor.” It is imperative that the wealthier nations listen to the needs of the global south to fully understand and respond to the challenges of climate change. Healing the Earth cannot leave anyone behind, and it is a call for all people of goodwill to act together. - Monday 18 November
From the early hours of Monday, the mood was marked by a series of powerful protests organised by groups of young climate activists. Their message was clear: the time for words is over, and concrete actions are needed now to combat the irreversible impacts of climate change.
The young protesters, dressed vibrantly and carrying placards with powerful messages, transformed the conference halls into a lively protest scene. They shouted slogans, sang protest songs, and danced, attracting the attention of COP participants, international media, and delegates. Their aim was to challenge the decision-makers and to reiterate the urgency of accelerating climate commitments.
These protests were more than just a spectacle; they embodied the accumulated frustration of younger generations with the continued inaction of governments. Their energy and creativity brought a unique dimension to the day, emphasising that the future of the planet depends on the decisions made in these negotiating rooms.
In parallel with the events, discussions in the official sessions continued to focus on two major topics: climate finance and adaptation solutions. The need to strengthen adaptation capacities was at the centre of the discussions, with concrete examples of successful projects shared by experts. The discussions highlighted nature-based approaches, such as ecosystem restoration, as well as innovative solutions to protect vulnerable communities.
Each pavilion offers events to highlight the need for urgent action. Faith Pavilion continues to remind us of the important place of Faith and the Church in this fight. “Sharing spiritual principles for climate repentance” brought together faith leaders to discuss the principles that can guide common climate actions. His Lordship Bishop Gerardo “Gerry” Alimnaza, Bishop of the Philippines, recalled the Love of God that calls us to unite to protect our common home, not to be the actors of its destruction but to be part of the solution. And together, leaving no one behind. - Saturday 16 November
Today was marked by a series of crucial events and meetings that allowed us to deepen discussions on climate justice and the challenges faced by the world, particularly vulnerable populations. Each session provided unique insights into potential solutions, while reinforcing our belief that collective action is essential to achieving our shared objectives.
The Youth-Led Forum on Climate Mobility and Loss and Damage was particularly inspiring. The youth demonstrated their central role in the fight against climate change, advocating for inclusive climate justice and proposing concrete solutions. These young leaders passionately shared their vision for a more equitable climate justice framework while presenting innovative ideas. This dialogue reinforced the understanding that loss and damage are not merely financial issues but also matters of human dignity and international solidarity.
We are profoundly hopeful after this day. The collective commitment, innovative ideas, and shared energy during the discussions reflect a global movement toward a better future.
This hope is strengthened by Catholic teachings, which emphasise the moral responsibility to protect Creation, defend the most vulnerable, and promote social justice. As the Laudato Si’ encyclical reminds us, the fight against climate change is both a spiritual action and an ethical duty toward our common home.
Furthermore, as representatives of Jesuit and Catholic perspectives, we observed that our values of justice, equity, and solidarity resonate in many of the discussions. However, there is still a long way to go for these principles to be fully integrated into international decision-making.
With this vision, we remain determined to continue our commitment to a future where solidarity and climate justice prevail. - Friday 15 November
One of the most significant events we attended on was a panel and networking session hosted by the Climate Cardinals and Sustainable Impact Organisations at COP 29. The event, titled “Innovations and Intergenerational Partnerships,” took place at the Children and Youth House in the Green Zone. This session was particularly important as it addressed the role of intergenerational relationships in combating climate change—an issue that is central to both justice and sustainability.
As citizens of the Global South, we raised the critical point that the impacts of climate change are felt differently across generations and regions. While people in the Global North experience the effects of climate change in various ways, the Global South is far more vulnerable due to historical inequalities, limited resources, and a lack of adaptive capacity. Moreover, older generations in developed countries have contributed significantly more to climate degradation than those in the Global South. This disparity raises important questions about how to create fair and equitable solutions that involve both the Global South and North in a meaningful way.
One key innovation discussed during the event was the potential of carbon markets. These markets allow developing countries to create carbon credits by implementing projects like reforestation or mangrove protection, which can be purchased by developed countries to offset their own emissions. Such projects provide a way for intergenerational partnerships to be realised, with older generations in the Global North supporting sustainable development in the Global South. The inclusive access to this market is among one to be discussed.
In the context of an energy transition, moving from the use of charcoal to ethanol as a household fuel is a key example of how such partnerships can work. Charcoal production and use are major contributors to deforestation and carbon emissions in many parts of the Global South. The shift to ethanol, a renewable fuel, would not only reduce emissions but also help to protect forests and ecosystems. This energy transition aligns with the principles outlined in the Jesuit Global for Climate Justice statement, which calls for a “just and inclusive energy transition.” The statement emphasises the importance of ensuring that energy transitions do not leave vulnerable communities behind, particularly those in the Global South, who are often most affected by the impacts of climate change.
The Jesuit Global Statement advocates for the promotion of renewable energy sources, particularly those that can provide tangible benefits to local communities. Ethanol, for example, can serve as a sustainable alternative to charcoal, reducing both environmental degradation and social inequities. In this way, the transition to ethanol is not only an environmentally just choice but also an economically empowering one for many people in developing countries.
Additionally, the protection of natural ecosystems such as mangroves is another example of how this transition can work in practice. Mangroves are among the most effective carbon sinks, with one hectare able to absorb over 3,700 tons of CO2—the equivalent of the emissions from 2,650 cars in one year (Ministry of Environment, 2024). Promoting mangrove conservation through carbon markets creates opportunities for intergenerational partnerships that benefit both the Global South and North.
Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful about the progress being made at this COP. There is a noticeable shift towards greater inclusivity, with youth, people with disabilities, and faith-based organisations playing an active role in the discussions. This inclusivity embodies the spirit of the Laudato Si’ encyclical, which asks, “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us?” (LS 160). It is clear that all people, regardless of their background or location, must be part of the solution to the climate crisis.
We were excited to revisit our meeting with the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar, who is also a young man under 30. This “conversation between youth”, was a valuable opportunity for us to share our goals for the COP and discuss our expected outcomes. It also provided an important platform to better understand Madagascar’s stance on key climate issues, including biodiversity conservation and the challenges of desertification that the country is currently facing. A significant takeaway from the meeting was that Madagascar has become a founding member of the Net Zero Coalition. It was also emphasised that international partners must support Madagascar in maintaining this status, positioning the country as a leader in climate solutions and action.
Overall, while we still face significant challenges, this COP provides a platform for meaningful dialogue and action on climate justice, and we are hopeful that it will lead to tangible change for both current and future generations. - Thursday 14 November
Today was dedicated to climate finance, with a particular focus on the loss and damage fund, the establishment of which had been decided at COP28. Today, its operationalisation remains a crucial topic of debate.
The discussions focused in particular on the commitments needed to accelerate the contributions of governments and financial actors, in order to limit global warming and promote a fair energy transition.
For this day, we attended intense exchanges in various Pavilions, both those of nations and international organisations. Among them, the Faith Pavilion, bringing together faith-based organisations, organised a significant debate on addressing loss and damage. This side event highlighted the economic and non-economic impacts of climate change, recalling the urgency of providing adequate support to affected communities to enable them to adapt and survive.
The modalities for the constitution of and access to the fund continue to be discussed. Simplifying procedures and improving their accessibility, particularly for local entities, remains a priority, although the amount and operational modalities are still under negotiation.
Our day was also marked by a meeting with the delegation of the Holy See and the Apostolic Nuncio in Azerbaijan. This meeting followed a meeting with the Network of Catholic Climate and Environment Actors, which had organised itself to finalise a message for the Holy See, composed of seven key points including the Fund for responding to loss and damage. The network also formed a steering committee team bringing together members from all continents.
The Holy See expressed its satisfaction at having been able to meet with actors from different Catholic organisations, saluting the commitment and determination of those working for climate justice. In addition, it was suggested that a larger delegation be present for the next COP in Brazil.
We feel that things are being said, the voices of the voiceless are being heard and we find ourselves faced with great discussions and great ideas to move forward, but above all we are waiting for the outcomes of all these debates. What will be the consequences for a population that is experiencing the harmful consequences of climate change, without being responsible of this. - Wednesday 13 November:
Today, we fully engaged in COP, building on yesterday’s initial orientation. We organised our team, assigning roles and determining which events aligned most closely with our objectives. This focus helped us navigate the extensive schedule of meetings and choose the most relevant sessions to our objectives at the COP.
One of the most impactful moments of the day was a private meeting between a delegation of ten young Malagasy representatives, including ourselves, and Max Fontaine Andonirina, the Malagasy Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development. Each of us shared our work supporting environmental conservation, often tied to child protection initiatives. Mr Andonirina expressed his support for our efforts, and encouraged us to contact him for help in building partnerships. This discussion boosted our determination and provided us with practical guidance for advancing our environmental work in Madagascar. It also highlighted Madagascar’s unique position as a carbon-negative country with potential to offer significant climate solutions.
We also attended a session on “Gender and Climate Change – SBI 17,” organized by a group called the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), which focuses on putting climate agreements into action. In this meeting, we saw how difficult it can be to write and finalise international agreements, as countries discussed and negotiated the specific language on gender equality. Many countries actively contributed ideas, changes, or suggestions to improve the text, which gave us hope that policies supporting gender-sensitive climate action will eventually be put in place. The real-time updates on change to the text showed us how international agreements are shaped by compromise and teamwork.
Attending COP as citizens of the Global South is both empowering and challenging. It’s motivating to share our experiences and advocate for our communities. However, it’s also discouraging to see how some discussions are influenced by fossil fuel interests or the Global North, which can overshadow the needs of the most vulnerable. Still, today’s discussions on gender and climate change reminded us that our voices can make a difference, and as we see the final version of the agreements, we will be able to confirm that our voices truly count.
Although the negotiations are complex, we are hopeful that the support from many countries for gender-sensitive climate policies shows that progress, though slow, is possible when there is broad commitment.
In closing, this journey reminds us of the deeper connection between our goals and the values of our faith. As we know, Christian faith and Jesuit spirituality call us to uphold justice, respect each person’s dignity, and act with compassion and responsibility toward the planet and all who inhabit it. With this foundation, we are reminded that advocating for inclusive and equitable climate action, particularly regarding gender, is not only a social responsibility but also a moral imperative. - Tuesday 12 November:
November 12 marked the beginning of our participation in COP29, and it has been a day of both discovery and learning. For the three of us, this is our first time engaging in a COP, and the experience has been both eye-opening and thought-provoking. It was important to discover how everything works, where sessions are held, and how important it is to meet climate actors from different countries. Today has been a day of exploring, and as we continue our journey at COP29, we are filled with hope that, through collaboration and a renewed commitment to action, progress can be made for the most vulnerable and the planet.
The most significant event we attended was the opening ceremony of Madagascar’s pavilion, which offered a glimpse into the country’s climate goals and the challenges it faces. The ceremony was attended by around 50 people, including key figures such as Andonirina Max Fontaine, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar, governors’ representatives, and parliamentarians. Also present were representatives from international organizations like the UNDP and the National Office of Risks and Disasters Management (BNGRC), Researchers and youth. The presence of such a wide range of stakeholders highlighted Madagascar’s commitment to addressing climate change despite its vulnerability and resource constraints.
The opening ceremony focused on Madagascar’s objectives for COP29 and drawing lessons from previous COPs, particularly COP16 in Cali, Colombia, and COP28 in Dubai. As one of the most vulnerable nations facing climate change, Madagascar must adopt a new approach to its participation in the global climate negotiations. Madagascar’s approach to COP29 should not be about simple participation but about transforming the way the country engages with climate partners, particularly through technical, financial, and project-driven collaborations.
There were important insights shared by the officials that resonate with Jesuits concerns. The General Director of BNGRC and the local government representatives highlighted that Madagascar is facing significant climate impacts and that its government and population lack the necessary resources and capacity to cope with the escalating challenges. It is aligned with the Jesuit global statement on climate justice. In this context, the meeting revealed that while Madagascar is indeed one of the world’s poorest countries, it is also a country of solutions when it comes to addressing climate change. This dual reality – vulnerability combined with the capacity for innovative solutions – requires a real climate justice application and gives us hope for the future through.
As citizens of the Global South, it is both empowering and disempowering to be at a conference that is still dominated by fossil fuel companies and the governments of the Global North. The power dynamics are palpable, and there is a sense of frustration when considering the disproportionate influence that these entities have over the climate agenda. However, there is also a sense of empowerment in being part of this conversation, particularly through the voices of vulnerable nations like Madagascar. It is a reminder that, despite the challenges, there is a collective resolve to push for justice and equity in climate action.