Pan-African social agency, Crtve Development (CD), has launched the WE!ARE movement to build a pan-African voice on climate justice ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP 27).
The COP 27, a gathering where leaders around the continent meet to raise its voice on climate discourse will take place in Egypt in November 2022.
According to Josefa Sacko, the AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, it is estimated that up to 118 million impoverished people will be exposed to drought, floods and extreme heat in Africa by 2030 if adequate response measures are not put in place.
Dr. Okito Wedi, Founder and CEO of Crtve Development said, “Through the WE!ARE campaign, we want to harness the power of art and creativity to change the narrative on climate change and development in Africa and bridge the gap between communities who will most be affected and policymakers who will determine our climate future”.
The WE!ARE movement aims to inspire young people across the continent to share their vision of the Africa they want to see and voice the climate justice demands of their communities through creative mediums. The movement is championed by emerging and established creatives, policymakers, designers, visual artists, auditory artists, and community leaders across Africa.
Collectively, the WE!ARE champions and supporters of the movement will shape the broader narrative of climate justice and centre important policy issues for the respective communities and nations leading into COP27 and beyond.
To further highlight the importance of climate justice in Africa, Crtve Development, in partnership with Africa No Filter, issued a call-out for creative participation in WE!ARE showcases that will resemble climate justice in the context of “The Africa We Want To See”.
Creative Hubs in participating countries were invited to apply for grants to curate pop-up showcases and creative installations as well as the execution of three workshops using art and creativity as a tool for social change in local communities.
Following a rigorous selection process, five hubs were selected in South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique, and Nigeria.
In preparation for the showcases, which will kick off in September 2022, all creative hubs will attend online and in-person training workshops to equip them with practical advice on climate-related policy education, community participation, and media skills development.
The WE!ARE movement is giving young Africans an opportunity to speak their minds, lead the conversation, and share their solutions on their terms. To get involved, visit www.africabywe.org or join the conversation on our social media platforms using the hashtag #AfricaByWe. Instagram: crtve_development; facebook.com/crtvedevelop; twitter:@crtvedevelop.
Crtve Development (CD) is a pan-African social agency that champions change on the African continent through storytelling and campaigning on key issues. We harness the power of art, technology, journalism, and research to advocate for African-owned and led development that bridges the gap between people and policies.
WE!ARE aims to socialise the issue of climate justice by inspiring young people from vulnerable communities to take climate action through their participation in workshops, showcases, inclusive partnerships, and dialogue. By unleashing their creative potential, the WE!ARE campaign will enable the youth to retell the story of “the Africa we want to see”. Their collective voices will help to place vulnerable communities at the centre of the call for climate justice on the African continent.