COP19 Dinner Dialogue

ClimDev-Africa Dinner Dialogue, November 21, 2013

The event is organized by ClimDev-Africa partners including African Union Commission, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and African Development Bank.  It will be held on 21st November, 2013 at 7pm, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Warsaw, Poland. The theme of the dialogue is “Science for Development: Can Africa Sustain its Transformational Development Without Investing in Climate Science”.  

Climate data, information, knowledge and use are critical in all facets of development in Africa in a changing climate. Climate science plays a critical role in understanding the continuum of the provision of climate data to end use. African climate research and science must be informed and driven by the critical development and adaptation needs of decision-makers in Africa, at local, national and regional levels. Subsequently, putting climate science at the centre of Africa’s growth trajectory is crucial to enhancing investment in key areas of development such as agriculture, water, energy, health, infrastructure, ecosystem functions, tourism, transport and financial services.

There are, however, important gaps in Africa’s climate observing systems that need to be filled to enable the integration of strong science into  decision-making processes. The lack of adequate data and observation systems seriously hinders the ability of scientists to assess the past and current state of the climate, and provide necessary information for planning development efficiently. Better appreciation of the challenges and opportunities that hydrological and meteorological agencies in Africa face in providing adequate and robust climate services is critical to enhancing their capacities. There is a tremendous need to improve information generation, communication and use across Africa. This is increasingly recognized, and has led to the design and implementation of the ClimDev-Africa programme, among other key initiatives. The focus of the dinner dialogue will be on the roles and state of climate research, science, knowledge in meeting users needs, and the extent to which the range of climate services can contribute to Africa’s resilience and transformative development. 

Agenda of Dinner Dialogue

18.30  Arrival and registration of guests

19:00  Opening Remarks

  • Statement of UNECA – Dr Fatima Denton, Coordinator of African Climate Policy Center
  • Statement of African Development Bank – Vice President Aly- Abou Sabaa - African Development Bank
  • Opening by African Union Commission – Commissioner H.E. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime

19.20  ClimDev-Africa Presentation   -“Science for Development: Can Africa Sustain its Transformational Development Without Investing in Climate Science”. Dr. Seleshi Bekele – African Climate Policy Centre (UN ECA)

19:30  Facilitated Discussion

20.30     Dinner

21.00     Closing Remarks