CoM SSA Mayors lead the charge for climate action amidst disappointing COP29 ambitions

The outcomes of COP29, held in Baku from 11-22 November, fell short of the ambition required to combat the escalating climate crisis. However, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) demonstrated unwavering leadership and urgency, advocating for actionable solutions to support cities amidst a growing planetary polycrisis. CoM SSA Mayors called for direct access to finance at the local level and the establishment of a fully operational Loss and Damage Fund that local governments can access directly.  

COP29 major outcomes

"This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. “But like any insurance policy – it only works – if premiums are paid in full, and on time. Promises must be kept, to protect billions of lives.”

CoM SSA Mayors represent the region at high-level engagements at COP29

At the outset of COP29, through the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities Constituency (LGMA), over 500 delegates representing local and other subnational governments mobilised to advance multilevel climate goals.

CoM SSA Regional Mayors Forum (RMF) Chairperson Mayor of Kloto 1 (Togo), Yawo Winny Dogbatse added his voice to the LGMA pre-COP29 press release: “Climate change is already deeply affecting our cities and communities, and we’re committed to leading the charge in resilience and adaptation. But this requires support that flows to where it’s needed most, directly to the local level. African cities, regions, and towns are ready with climate-smart plans and on-the-ground solutions, but without access to adequate funding, these plans remain out of reach. We call for a fully operational Loss and Damage Fund that channels resources directly to subnational governments, enabling us to address the losses and damages we’re facing. Alongside this, we urgently need improvements in the financial architecture to make climate finance accessible, reliable, and inclusive of local needs. By strengthening both the quantity and quality of finance, particularly for adaptation, we can build the sustainable, resilient communities that our citizens deserve.”

• Mayor Manuel de Araújo of Quelimane, Mozambique, shared his city’s pioneering green transport initiatives, such as promoting bicycles to enhance urban resilience and equity.
• Governor Cecily Mbarire of Embu County, Kenya, highlighted her county’s solid waste management plan and green infrastructure projects that are redefining sustainable urban development.
• Mayor Yawo Winny Dogbatse, emphasizing urban climate finance, urged for improved financial architecture to support local governments’ ambitious, evidence-based climate plans.

1. The launch of the Multisectoral Action Pathways (MAP) for Resilient and Healthy Cities Declaration.
2. The signing of the Baku Continuity Coalition on Urban and Multilevel Climate Action, an initiative connecting the presidencies of COP27, COP28, COP29, and COP30 in partnership with UN-Habitat.