Historic conference empowers African journalists to lead climate justice narrative
President of FAJ Omar Faruk with other delegates during the Federation of African Journalists conference in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
What you need to know:
- An accompanying Action Plan outlined steps for advancing climate action across the continent, emphasizing the need to foster climate awareness, strengthen journalists' safety, and protect them from harassment and threats.
- The Abidjan Declaration and Action Plan reflect the determination of African journalists to lead in advocating for climate action and just transition, positioning them to shape global narratives and promote solutions that serve Africa and its people.
The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), in collaboration with L'Union Nationale des Journalistes de Côte d'Ivoire (UNJCI), hosted a landmark conference titled “Amplifying African Narratives in Climate Justice: Empowering Journalists to Advance Africa’s Just Transition Realisation” on September 4-5 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
The event brought together leaders from journalist unions across 29 African countries, underscoring their critical role in advancing climate justice and promoting Africa’s just transition.
Supported by Mondiaal FNV and Oxfam, the conference featured robust participation from journalist unions and environmental advocates. As one of the continents most vulnerable to climate impacts, Africa urgently needs its journalists to reshape public narratives, demand accountability, and drive climate action.
The two-day program included interactive sessions and expert-led panels on themes such as just transition, climate justice, advanced storytelling techniques, and the safety of journalists covering environmental issues.
Participants discussed how African media can effectively frame the continent’s climate narrative while advocating for equitable and sustainable development policies.
Held alongside the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), the conference played a crucial role in shaping regional and global climate agendas.
Key outcomes included a recognition of the importance of a just transition for Africa and the indispensable role of journalism in promoting sustainable economies. The sessions highlighted the media's role in spotlighting green job creation and the need for African journalists to lead in shaping perceptions and influencing policies for a fairer future.
FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman emphasized the need to shift Africa's climate narrative from vulnerability to resilience and opportunity. He said, “Our journalists are not just amplifying African voices on international platforms—they are demanding decisive action and equity in addressing the continent’s distinct climate challenges.”
He added that African journalists must be equipped to drive this transformation as key actors in the global climate movement.
Ambassador Ali Daud Mohammed, Chairperson of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN), presented Africa’s priorities for COP29. He stressed the vital role of journalists in amplifying African narratives on climate justice, ensuring the continent's voice is central in global climate negotiations. He reaffirmed AGN's commitment to working closely with FAJ to elevate Africa’s priorities and solutions.
A significant outcome was the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration, calling for enhanced collaboration between journalists, trade unions, and civil society to amplify African perspectives in climate discussions.
An accompanying Action Plan outlined steps for advancing climate action across the continent, emphasizing the need to foster climate awareness, strengthen journalists' safety, and protect them from harassment and threats.
The Abidjan Declaration and Action Plan reflect the determination of African journalists to lead in advocating for climate action and just transition, positioning them to shape global narratives and promote solutions that serve Africa and its people.
