From 12 to 14 June 2026, African Futures Lab participated in the Global Afro-Descendants' Transatlantic Strategy Convening in Bonn, Germany, bringing together climate justice leaders, organizers, researchers, and advocates from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and North America.
The convening, organized by the Global Afro-Descendant Climate Justice Collaborative (GADCJC) (external link)served as a unique space to strengthen transatlantic collaboration and develop a shared long-term strategy to advance the leadership and meaningful participation of Afro-descendant communities within global climate governance, particularly in the lead-up to COP31 and beyond.
A key highlight of the gathering was the opportunity to engage directly with representatives of the COP30 Presidency, who encouraged participants to continue building momentum for stronger Afro-descendant representation within the UNFCCC process. This exchange reaffirmed the growing recognition that the voices, knowledge, and lived experiences of Afro-descendant communities must be reflected in international climate decision-making.
African Futures Lab was proud to contribute to these conversations and remains committed to advancing climate reparations, amplifying Afro-descendant voices, and building stronger alliances across continents to shape a more just and inclusive climate future for Africans and the diaspora.
Throughout the convening, discussions were deeply rooted in the principles of climate reparations, emphasizing the historical responsibilities that underpin today's climate crisis and the need for restorative, equitable, and justice-centered climate action. Equally central were Afrofeminist perspectives, which highlighted the leadership of Afro-descendant women and girls, the importance of intersectional approaches to climate justice, and the need to challenge systemic inequalities embedded within climate governance.
African Futures Lab will continue to work closely with the GADCJC by actively participating in its regular strategy meetings and collective advocacy efforts. Together, we will continue advancing Afro-descendant representation and leadership within the UNFCCC process and broader climate justice spaces.