S/A Delegation Seeks Embassy Support for Local Climate Initiatives

S/A Delegation Seeks Embassy Support for Local Climate Initiatives

By Abdullahi Lukman

The South African embassy in Brazil hosted a meeting with members of the South African delegation attending the *Renew Our Power* (ROP) gathering, providing a platform for climate leaders to discuss community-driven solutions and strategies for energy justice.

The meeting, held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, allowed delegates to share insights from their participation in ROP and discuss the growing importance of grassroots climate action in South Africa.

The delegation, which includes youth and grassroots activists, was received warmly by senior consular officials.

The embassy’s engagement aimed to foster a deeper understanding of South Africa’s local climate justice efforts and the role of ROP in advancing these initiatives.

Khaliel Moses, Fair Finance Campaigner at 350Africa.org, emphasized the significance of the meeting, stating, “This invitation was more than symbolic; it was a chance for the voices of youth and grassroots activists to be heard at a diplomatic level.

We spoke about the real power of community-owned renewable energy, the urgency of just transitions, and the learnings we’re carrying home to strengthen our work.”

During the meeting, the delegation discussed key takeaways from the ROP gathering, such as accessible solar technologies, alternative financing models, and youth empowerment strategies.

These experiences, they said, will directly influence their ongoing efforts in South African communities.

The delegation also urged the embassy to amplify youth and community-led renewable energy projects and represent grassroots climate justice perspectives in key international forums, including BRICS, COP30, and the G20.

They further called for greater support for people-centered storytelling and collective power-building in the transition away from fossil fuels.

In response, consular officials expressed strong support for the delegation’s work and encouraged them to submit a formal report and list of demands.

The embassy pledged to forward these insights to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Office of the Presidency for further consideration.

“This is a moment of recognition,” Moses added. “Our communities are building the solutions. What we need now is for our institutions to meet us there, to open doors, shift narratives, and act with urgency.”

The delegation plans to continue engaging with South African officials in the coming weeks to ensure that the voices and experiences shared at ROP contribute to shaping a just and inclusive energy future in South Africa.