Before the official start of COP26 in Glasgow, representatives from organisations across the globe gathered for pre-conference engagements and side events — among them a group of environmental advocates and stakeholders from Africa.

Discussions in the lead-up centred on climate resilience, equitable transitions to clean energy, and the financial mechanisms needed to support green initiatives. With Glasgow set to host some of the most consequential negotiations on climate change, these interactions were vital groundwork for collaboration.

The mood was one of both hope and urgency. Delegates, some attending for the first time, were determined that African voices should be represented at the negotiating table. A common theme was the need for developed nations to meet their financial commitments to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Whether through formal side events or informal gatherings over coffee, the days before COP26 opened were filled with exchanges of ideas, experience and hope — from delegates whose regions and communities are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

A meeting convened by FCT Social Development Services and Spotlight Initiative Nigeria, held from 12 to 16 April 2021, focused on strengthening the capacity of health workers managing cases involving child survivors of violence against women and girls in the Federal Capital Territory.

The goal was practical: improving the skills health workers bring to supporting survivors of gender-based violence, at the point where survivors first encounter the system.