GLF NAIROBI 2023:

Crafting a Sustainable Symphony for Our Planet and Navigating a Path to a Fairer, Greener Tomorrow

By Peter Kinuthia Murimi & Lorraine Kinnear

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference, spanning from the 11th to 12th of October 2023, emerged as a pivotal gathering for the global climate action community, serving as a beacon of hope and transformation. The Responsible Citizen Magazine Sustainability Writers were in attendance, Peter Murimi attending physically in Nairobi, Kenya while Lorraine Kinnear joined virtually from Gaborone, Botswana. The two immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the forum ensuring the Responsible Citizen Magazine’s commitment to global sustainability went beyond physical barriers. This dynamic participation reflects our dedication to fostering a united global community actively engaged in shaping a sustainable future. From their participation, here are some of the highlights and insights from the Forum that went under the theme, “A New Vision for Earth”.

Day 1 of the conference delved into 'Africa Sovereign Solutions,' exploring how the continent can forge a prosperous and sustainable future. Day 2 pivoted its focus to the urgent global crisis—climate change, crafting a 'Survival Guide for a Planet in Crisis' ahead of the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28). The GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference was not merely a convergence of minds; it was a call-to-action, hosting thought leaders, activists, and changemakers both physically in Nairobi and virtually. Featuring 218 speakers and 121 global and local partner organisations, the conference sparked conversations across 89 plenaries, expert sessions, interactive discussions, side events, and networking sessions. The venue buzzed with onsite presentations and inspirational talks, igniting lively dialogues on local solutions to global climate and ecological crises in the pivotal year of 2023.

This global gathering reached far and wide with over 7,000 participants from 130 countries, touching the lives of 27 million people across social media and other media channels, and well over 170,000 engagements. The GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference became a testament to the power of collective vision and action, setting the stage for a fairer, more sustainable world as the world awaited the crucial COP28. The Forum, standing as the world's largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, transcended beyond a mere conference—it stood as a beacon of transformative action. Dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement, the GLF adopts a holistic approach, recognising that sustainable landscapes must be productive, prosperous, equitable, and resilient.

The GLF’s commitment to creating a sustainable future was defined by five cohesive themes: food and livelihoods, landscape restoration, rights, finance, and measuring progress. Led by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, alongside Charter Members, the GLF emerged as a powerhouse of collective wisdom and actionable insights. The Forum's commitment to crafting sustainable solutions aligns seamlessly with its mission— uniting people to navigate the complexities of integrated land use and address the pressing issue of climate change. The stage was set for a harmonious collaboration that transcends boundaries, working towards a future where landscapes thrive as hubs of prosperity and resilience.

Day 1's insights revolved around Africa's sovereign solutions, exploring how to strategically channel resources to fortify diverse landscapes. The discussion emphasised the imperative to direct funding towards disaster prevention in vital, food-producing rural regions. The wisdom of Perpetra Akite, a distinguished lecturer at the Department of Zoology at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, underscored the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses to climate change impacts. She noted, "For every dollar that is invested to try to minimise impacts of climate change, we have to spend around US$7 trying to fight other potential disasters," resonated like a clarion call for proactive measures. This session highlighted Africa's solutions as global guideposts, resonating deeply within the GLF as a testament to the transformative power of African wisdom in facing climate challenges.

Day 2 focused on sustainable finance, accelerating investments in nature-based solutions, and supporting actors in the Global South. It outlined strategies to fund climate adaptation and allocate priorities, addressing the disproportionate impact of climate crises faced by African communities. Day 2 reinforced the urgent need for global solidarity in tackling the borderless challenges posed by the climate crisis. A dedicated exploration unfolded, scrutinising climate finance for nature-based solutions—a crucial endeavor that sought to build bridges between humanity and the natural world.

The day's narrative took a poignant turn as it delved into initiatives like the Loss and Damage Fund—a visionary approach to bolster climate resilience. The discussions carried a weighty truth—the African continent, contributing less than 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, was already bearing the disproportionate brunt of the climate crisis. Floods, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall have become the harsh realities faced by communities across the continent.

The GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference, through its diverse voices and expertise, presented a survival guide for humanity, outlining six pivotal pathways towards a reimagined Earth. These pathways, resonating with urgency and hope, create a comprehensive framework for a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious global community. The GLF's emphasis on youth involvement in climate action, particularly through initiatives like the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL), showcased the significance of young voices in shaping a just and sustainable future for our landscapes. The youth understand their critical role in the “New Vision” as echoed by Andriamiarimbola Barisoa Nancy who was part of the Landscape Leadership Workshop leading up to the GLF.

She noted, “This workshop offered valuable perspectives on climate justice, the complexities of negotiating with diverse stakeholders for climate change and the impactful role of storytelling for landscape leaders. GLF Nairobi, particularly the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Youth Consultation, provided a vital platform for youth to exchange ideas on land restoration. There was much emphasis on stewarding visions of justice and restoration was a highlight where young people from around the world took centre stage and shared their insights on stewardship and justice. This collective engagement showcases the importance of youth voices and their role in shaping a just and sustainable future for our landscapes.”

In conclusion, the GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference: A New Vision for Earth acted as a platform for seeking solutions aligned with a more sustainable future. The topics discussed were as diverse as the participants and audiences in attendance, and this is a true reflection of this “New Vision of Earth”. What would it look like? A world that is led by passion and not fear - limitlessness and not restrictions. The Forum sparked hope, resilience, and a collective resolve to navigate the challenges ahead, envisioning a world where humanity thrives in harmony with nature.