Participates in High-Level Regional Dialogue on Just Energy Transition and Natural Resource GovernanceParticipates in High-Level Regional Dialogue on Just Energy Transition and Natural Resource Govern

February 14^th 2024, FIAN Zambia participated in the High-Level Multi-actors Dialogue on Just Energy Transition, Natural Resource Governance, and Climate Change that took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. This impactful dialogue convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government representatives, regional bodies, and community leaders from across Southern Africa, to address the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of the energy transition in the region. Participants reaffirmed the urgency of addressing climate change, calling for accelerated implementation of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Special focus was placed on protecting marginalized vulnerable communities from the adverse impacts of climate change. The following were the key outcomes:                                                                                                                         

1. Shared Vision for a Just Energy Transition: Participants underscored the importance of a people-centered approach to the energy transition, ensuring inclusivity, equity, and social justice. There was consensus that a just energy transition must prioritize the livelihoods of affected communities, particularly those dependent on fossil fuel industries, while advancing sustainable development.

2. Strengthening Regional Collaboration: The dialogue highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration among Southern African nations to harmonize policies and strategies for natural resource governance and climate action. Regional bodies were called upon to play a pivotal role in fostering cross-border partnerships and knowledge sharing.

3. Policy Recommendations: Stakeholders proposed actionable policy measures to ensure responsible natural resource management, including:

·                    Strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms in resource governance.

·                     Promoting renewable energy investments to drive economic diversification.

·                    Incorporating climate resilience into national development plans.

4. Community Empowerment and Participation: Emphasis was placed on amplifying the voices of local communities in decision-making processes. Community leaders advocated for capacity-building initiatives to empower grassroots organizations to engage meaningfully in the energy transition agenda.