Transformative Climate Action Takes Centre Stage at ARUA NISANSA Conference in Cape Town

Cape Town recently hosted the ARUA NISANSA Conference from March 13 to 15, providing a transdisciplinary forum to advance the understanding of pathways of change in social responses to climate change. This forum aimed to shed light on the complex dynamics faced by societies in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, which are not only highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but also among the most multi-dimensionally unequal.

Exploring pathways of change

Societies in these regions exhibit diverse responses to climate change, reflecting their unique contexts and challenges. However, amidst this diversity, there are shared elements of innovation that offer insights into transformative change in climate-resilient development pathways.

The conference invited abstracts, sessions, and poster submissions from researchers and practitioners at all career stages, with a focus on understanding pathways of change in Southern Africa and Latin America. The concept of pathways served as a guiding framework for the two days of engagement, fostering discussions among diverse participants from academia, public, and private sectors.

Guided by key questions, the conference explored how societies respond to climate change in unequal societies in the Global South, considering the roles of different perceptions and societal actors in shaping these responses. Discussions also delved into how societal actors can drive change by altering rules and building innovative institutions in the governance of climate change.

Moreover, the conference examined how existing pathways can be inclusively transformed towards achieving a good life and sustainable livelihoods for all. Common approaches such as "nature-based solutions," "integrated water management," and "just transitions" were explored for their potential contributions to changing pathways towards sustainability.

Facilitating collaborative discussions

The meeting format facilitated in-person exchanges while also offering partial online streaming at the conference facilities at Cape Town’s Graduate Business School, providing a platform for fruitful dialogue and collaboration.

"The interdisciplinary character of the conference allowed for a rich discussion with diverse perspectives where conceptual conflicts served as a baseline for interesting dialogues. Stepping away from an oversimplified categorization of heterogeneous groups of people laid the groundwork for creating nuanced understandings of climate change discourses, terminology, and practical solutions," said one attendee.

As delegates departed with renewed insights and commitments, the ARUA NISANSA Conference 2024 demonstrated its significance in catalysing collective efforts towards addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development pathways in the Global South.

Highlighting projects beyond the panel sessions

The conference concluded on a high note with an interactive poster session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of projects showcasing pathways of change and innovation in climate action. Among the standout contributors was Eunice Shame Kafwamba, whose work highlighted the framing of climate change and risk in Malawi Broadcasting Corporation's Radio. Eunice's insightful research underscores the importance of effective science communication in shaping public perceptions and responses to climate change. As the winner of the poster session, Eunice's work serves as a shining example of the impactful contributions emerging from the conference, highlighting the vital role of media in advancing climate discourse and action.