Speaking to the Liberal News Network, Imali said, “COP29 is drawing to a close, but a lot remains unresolved! We need an ambitious #NCQG that truly meets the needs of those most affected by the climate crisis.”

Ngusale also emphasized the urgency for a robust NCQG framework that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable communities. The NCQG, anchored in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement, aims to cap global temperature rises at 1.5°C, enhance resilience to climate impacts, and align financial flows with sustainable development, all while safeguarding food security.

Adding his voice to the conversation, Emmanuel Lekishon, a UNFPA Youth Champion from Kenya and ACHCGA co-founder, highlighted the stakes for frontline communities. Lekishon also said, “My community remains at the frontlines of climate disaster, and the NCQG deliberations could be our last hope.”

The NCQG holds transformative potential, but its realization faces significant hurdles. Among these are the lack of global consensus and the chronic shortfall in financing commitments. These gaps not only undermine the Paris Agreement’s objectives but also exacerbate the vulnerabilities of those living at the intersection of climate change and socioeconomic inequities.

ACHCGA has consistently called for actionable deliverables at COPs, with a focus on equity in climate financing, clear roadmaps for implementation, and grassroots participation in decision-making. “The success of the NCQG will depend on whether it reflects the realities and aspirations of those most affected by climate change,” Ngusale reiterated.

As COP29 concludes, ACHCGA remains steadfast in advocating for climate justice and ambitious NCQGs, urging states to bridge divides and deliver solutions that resonate with those bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.

For more updates on ACHCGA’s work and perspectives, visit achcga.org.

Imali Ngusale, founder of the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA), opened the discussion with a powerful statement, “Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant factor impacting public health, particularly reproductive and maternal health.”

Ngusale emphasized that rising temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly in low-resource settings. She pointed out that disaster-prone regions experience heightened maternal mortality risks, with healthcare systems often unable to meet the increased demand for services. Pregnant women, newborns, and families are among the most vulnerable, facing threats from disrupted access to care, poor nutrition, and unsafe environments.

The discussion also underscored midwives’ indispensable role as frontline responders in this crisis, “Midwives are not only healthcare providers but also agents of change in their communities,” said Ngusale. “Their ability to adapt to climate challenges while safeguarding maternal and reproductive health is crucial.”

Dr. Mazen Mlkawi, Regional Director for Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization (WHO), echoed Ngusale’s sentiments, noting the profound intersection of climate and health.

This sentiment was also echoed by Dr. Abderrahmane Sidi El Moctar of Mauritania, who moderated the session. Highlighting findings from a recent UNFPA study, he stated, ” UNFPA ‘s study shed light on the critical role midwives can play as catalysts for climate action, bridging the gap between policy and practice in vulnerable regions.”

Izzy Rigda, an Australian policy, economics, and public impact expert, stressed that climate change exacerbates gender disparities. In her view, “Climate shocks disproportionately impact women in the global south.”

Rigda said, “Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate shocks. Some are forced to relocate, which increases their exposure to gender-based violence. Additionally, they often shoulder the burden of securing resources for their families in the aftermath of disasters.”

She called for stronger policy measures to protect women and girls and healthcare systems are not only climate-resilient but also gender-responsive.

The panel concluded with a resounding call to action, urging decision-makers to prioritize investments in midwifery training that address gender inequities. Additionally, the panelists called for the urgent need to integrate climate adaptation strategies into public health plans to safeguard reproductive and maternal health in the face of an uncertain climate future.

The 2024 UN Climate Summit, COP29, kicked off this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, drawing an estimated 50,000 participants, a crowd nearly half the size of last year’s COP28 in Dubai. Speaking during the COP 29 event, Azerbaijan President Ilhan Aliyev said, “Having oil and gas is a gift from God,” underscoring the nation’s deep reliance on fossil fuels. The President also insisted that oil and gas were critical to Azerbaijan’s economy.

It is estimated that at least 60% of Azerbaijan’s revenue comes from fossil fuels. Perhaps this is the reason why climate activists criticized the Azerbaijan government for being hesitant to transition from fossil fuels. Critics also claim that clinging to fossil fuels risks sidelining the nation’s climate responsibilities. But worse, still, Azerbaijan’s emissions are set to increase by  20% by 2030.

Renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg also shared similar sentiments. She criticized Azerbaijan’s lack of ambition in addressing climate change, calling out as “greenwashing” efforts. Thunberg also emphasized that the country’s reliance on fossil fuels poses a significant threat to global climate goals. In an interview with journalists, she said that the Azerbaijan government was more concerned about securing oil and gas than securing alternative investments.

Accordingly, Niklas Hihne, a climate expert at the New Climate Institute said, “Azerbaijan is an autocratic country and was not a suitable host for the climate conference.”

In addition, Azerbaijani activist Bashit Suleymanli  said,” The Azerbaijan government needs to allow people to freely address themselves when it comes to climate justice.” The environmental rights defender and activist from the Climate of Justice Initiative called for more transparency and inclusivity in Azerbaijan’s climate policies.

Despite the criticism, Azerbaijan’s government proudly emphasizes its commitment to climate action, hosting high-profile events with global leaders to explore paths to lower emissions. Officials maintain that these efforts signal a serious intent to address the climate crisis.