Minister Urges Western Nations to Fund Climate Change Solutions in Malawi
In addition to appealing to Western countries, Usi also called upon Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to provide accurate and honest reports to their donors from Western nations.
Lilongwe, Malawi – The Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi, implored developed nations, primarily Western countries, to provide essential financial support aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change in Malawi, writes Moses Nyirenda.
Speaking at the launch of the "Fund Our Future Climate Justice Campaign" and the presentation of the "Report on Climate Finance Flows" by ActionAid Malawi at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Usi emphasised the critical role of financial aid from developed nations in addressing the climate crisis.
Usi stressed that the climate change consequences witnessed in Malawi and many other nations, such as the destructive cyclone Freddy, are primarily attributed to activities carried out by developed countries.
Despite this, the compensation provided by these Western nations is deemed insufficient and often delayed. "Therefore, what we are saying is, let the money come to where the injury is taking place; it is not a favour, it is just moral, and that is what we are asking for," Usi asserted.
In addition to appealing to Western countries, Usi also called upon Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to provide accurate and honest reports to their donors from Western nations.
He criticised some NGOs for submitting overly positive reports to appease donors, emphasizing the importance of conveying the truth regarding the ground-level impacts of climate change.
"We have some Non-Governmental Organisations that receive funding from donors, especially from Europe, Asia, and America, who always want to see positive reports. People are under pressure to write favourable reports to please donors. What we are saying is, tell the donors the truth," Usi declared.
Usi commended ActionAid Malawi for its unwavering commitment to addressing climate change issues by producing truthful reports and implementing initiatives aimed at raising funds to combat the impacts of climate change in the country.
Pamela Kuwali, Executive Director of ActionAid Malawi, expressed the organization's dedication to combating climate change and its effects in Malawi.
She emphasised the significance of addressing climate change as a priority, particularly in light of its disproportionate impact on women and youth.
"As ActionAid, we consider climate change one of the most important issues we must address. We look at the effects of Cyclone Freddy, which have disproportionately affected women and youth, with whom ActionAid is deeply involved," Kuwali stated.
She also underscored ActionAid Malawi's commitment to promoting climate justice and equity in all its activities.
The launch of the "Fund Our Future Climate Justice Campaign" and the call for increased financial support from developed nations underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to combat the pressing climate challenges faced by Malawi and other vulnerable countries.