At COP28, PACJA rallied around “Keep Your Promise” and accountability for existing commitments. The “Keep Your Promise Campaign” marked a historic initiative aimed at holding nations accountable for their commitments under the Paris Agreement, a landmark global effort to combat climate change. For the very first time, participating parties were set to take stock of their progress in meeting the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. At its core, the campaign was driven by a desire to align global efforts towards meaningful climate action, with a particular focus on addressing and bridging the gaps in progress.
This dynamic and impactful campaign was a collaborative effort involving multiple countries, led by a passionate and dedicated group of young leaders from the African continent. Their vision was clear: to harness the power of collective action and advocacy on five pivotal issues, thereby shaping a strategic thrust to amplify their influence and advance the campaign’s overarching goals.
One of the campaign’s central objectives was to call upon the Global North to honour its commitments made under the Paris Agreement. It underscores the vital importance of fulfilling these promises to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all. Moreover, the campaign places a strong emphasis on African nations demonstrating leadership in accountability. This was to be achieved through the implementation of locally driven climate actions, which are transparent, accountable, and above reproach. The leadership of those most directly affected by the climate crisis, particularly those on the front lines, was central to this approach.