The overall objective of the Climate Change and Desertification Unit (CCDU) is to provide policy and political guidance, and to enhance coordination and harmonization of Africa’s activities in the field of climate change. This would entail effectively engaging Africa’s political leadership at all levels using the AU structures in order to advance climate change issues. Moreover, it would enhance partnership with the international development community in aligning and harmonizing the technical and financial support along the climate change agenda. Accordingly, it would review policy decisions and the state of their implementation among Member States, and report to the organs of the AU respectively.

Specific objectives

Specific objectives of the CCDU include:

  • coordination of policies and decisions on Climate Change and desertification;
  • integration of climate change concerns into continental, regional and planning development frameworks;
  • coordinate resource mobilization efforts for implementation of Decisions pertaining to climate change and desertification control;
  • improve coordination, documentation and dissemination of climate change research and information;
  • building capacity of Member States in the implementation of Decisions related to Climate Change;
  • scaling up the capacities of Member States and stakeholders to enhance integration of adaptation and mitigation measures into their development plans as well as policies and risk management practices in all climate change and desertification related activities;
  • supporting efforts to mainstream climate-related concerns in the frameworks of Member States’ development policies, strategies and plans.
  • In leading this programme, the AUC unit that will advance the ClimDev agenda by harnessing the efforts of AMESD and MEAs programmes respectively.  The thrust of the AUC leadership with respect of the ClimDevprogramme is to ensure that crucial climate information:
  • results in meaningful and appropriate investments in robust programmes of training and capacity building in all relevant areas of climate information use;
  • is integrated into decision-making;
  • facilitates the development of effective information management systems;
  • engenders a capacity for effective policy-making;
  • is integrated into planning processes;
  • leads to meaningful adjustments of development programmes; and,
  • results in adequate allocation of appropriate expenditures to deal with mitigation and adaptation challenges by States.

For more information, visit the CCDU website.