NII COMMEY HANDWRITING

I was in Lomé to moderate and provide communication guidance to the West Africa Hub of the Independent Global Stocktake regional workshop in Togo, where climate leaders gathered with one goal in mind: to ignite climate action. The energy in the room was electric as government representatives, climate experts, and civil society actors joined forces to review and enhance regional climate plans. Together, we witnessed a collective commitment to a more sustainable future. This workshop took place against the backdrop of an important milestone. A technical Report on West African countries' commitment towards fighting climate change has been disseminated with UNFCCC focal points from 15 West African countries. Well, the outcome of the report can be discussed another day. But what struck me most was the power of effective climate communication in the midst of dissenting views on the report(which is normal, when it doesn't favour you). Meaningful dialogue and inclusive engagement were...

  As I reflect on leading the organisation of WASCAL's Climate Change Action Now launch, I'm reminded of the power of intentional event design in driving real change. From brainstorming to evaluation, every detail mattered. I knew this event had to break the mould and create momentum for climate action. Through meticulous planning, we crafted a programme that brought together diverse stakeholders, fostering genuine collaboration and concrete commitments. The launch day exceeded expectations, with connections formed and energy palpable. What I'm most proud of, however, is the lasting impact: commitments made, partnerships formed, and youth ambassadors empowered. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about transformative leadership and the importance of robust advocacy. I learned to hold firm to a vision while remaining flexible on details and to create spaces where different types of knowledge and experience intersect productively.  I am particularly energised by the ...