Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit | African Climate and Development Initiative

The African Climate & Development Initiative (ACDI) is proud to be a partner in the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit hosted by the United Nations Human Rights and the University of Oxford, convened by the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA). The Summit brings together convening global experts from various sectors to discuss impacts, obligations and effective responses and solutions to the human-rights climate crisis. ACDI and UCT are part of a worldwide education coalition contributing to the 24-hour global plenary, which will be co-delivered by universities and partners across the world and broadcast live across time zones on 5 June. Join us for our session:

Championing human rights-based research and teaching towards climate justice in Africa

When: 5 June 2025, 10:00 - 12:00 SAST

Where: Environmental and Seminar Room 5, Geographical Sciences Building, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town and Online (Zoom)

Hosted by the African Climate & Development Initiative and the University of Cape Town

Please register for the in person event here or Register for the online event

The programme of this session on Championing human rights-based research and teaching towards climate justice in Africa will reflect on the role of universities in understanding and supporting a human rights-based approach to climate action and climate justice, taking into consideration both how universities are teaching and engaging in research and looking outwardly towards impacts in society.

This event brings together academics, legal experts, and practitioners to explore the intersection of human rights, climate action, and climate justice from an African perspective. It opens with a welcome address by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Professor Mosa Moshabela, followed by a framing session that outlines the global and regional positioning of human rights within climate governance, and highlights the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African universities. Attendees can expect two expert panel discussions: the first focuses on current human rights-based research contributing to climate justice, and the second examines how human rights approaches are being integrated into university teaching and curricula. The programme includes an open dialogue session for audience engagement on research and teaching needs, and closes with reflections and a handover to Oxford University. In-person participants are invited to stay for an informal networking lunch.

Time	Session details	Speaker(s)
10:00-10:10	Opening and Welcome: The role of research and teaching for climate justice – why does it matter given human rights challenges and climate injustices in Africa?	Professor Mosa Moshabela Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Town
10:10-10:30	Setting the Scene: Framing human rights, climate action and climate justice from an African perspective How do the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement promote human rights and climate justice globally, how are these recognised in parts of Africa, and how are courts addressing the climate crisis through a human rights lens? How do climate vulnerabilities and inequalities affect governance and action across scales in Africa, and what distinct role can African universities play in response?	Moderator: Nadine Methner African Climate and Development Initiative, UCT Melanie Murcott Institute of Marine and Environmental Law, UCT Darlington Sibanda ACDI, UCT
10:30-10:35	Break
10:35-11:05	*Panel 1: What human rights-based research are you doing to support just and equitable climate action, and what successes or challenges have you encountered?* Panellists: Amber Abrams - Future Water Institute, UCT Ruth Magreta - Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Gender and climate change adaptation) Benyam Dawit Mezmur - Professor of Law, UWC, Children’s Rights Nadia Sitas, SouthSouthNorth – Biodiversity and climate action	Moderator: Nomasango Masiye-Moyo Coordinator of the Environmental Lawyers Collective for Africa at Natural Justice
11:05-11:07	Break
11:07-11:37	*Panel 2: How can and have human rights (and human rights-based approaches) been integrated into university teaching and learning on climate change?* Panellists: Lesley Green – Professor, Earth Politics and Director of Environmental Humanities, UCT Melandri Steenkamp - Global Environmental Law Centre, University of the Western Cape Melanie Murcott - Associate Professor, Institute of Marine and Environmental Law, UCT	Moderator: Nomasango Masiye-Moyo Coordinator of the Environmental Lawyers Collective for Africa at Natural Justice
11:37-11:40	Break
11:40-11:55	Open Dialogue: What are the research and teaching needs to strengthen human rights-based climate action towards justice and equity in Africa?	Moderator: Wandisa Phama Executive Director, Centre of Environmental Rights
11:55-12:00	Closure and Handover to Oxford University	Britta Rennkamp ACDI, UCT
12:00-13:30	Lunch with in person attendees

More About the Summit

The 2 - 7 June Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, will take place virtually and in person on the Oxford University campus. The summit will bring together thought leaders, communities, youth activists, Indigenous Peoples, and scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry experts from around the world for keynote addresses and panels exploring how climate change impacts fundamental rights, including the right to food, safe water, housing and health. The cornerstone of the summit is a 24-hour global plenary, which will be co-delivered by universities and partners across the world and broadcast live across time zones on 5 June.

Additionally, Learners and educators of all ages, from primary school classrooms to university research labs, are invited to engage in this event through the Right Here, Right Now Education Coalition. Participating institutions and individuals will receive free access to a coalition toolkit, including information on how to host watch parties and how to spread the word about the connections between human rights and climate change, and why that connection matters to everyone - Learn more about and join this global network of students and educators

Find the global plenary programme here