The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly known as COP28, was the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, held from 30 November to 12 December at Expo City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates with negotiators from nearly 200 countries. The COP meetings are annual conferences where countries that are parties to the UNFCCC gather to discuss and negotiate global efforts to address climate change.

Climate Action Network Tanzania (CAN Tanzania) played a pivotal role in advocating for climate action at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28). Our journey started at the home ground prior to the event when CAN Tanzania collaborated closely with the Vice President's Office (VPO) and other partners and organized a 4-day preparatory workshop in Arusha towards COP 28. With the support of the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the World Bank (WB), this workshop aimed to define Tanzania's stance and priorities, ensuring a cohesive and informed representation at COP28. This shaped Tanzania’s objectives into four main agendas: Sustainable Agriculture, Blue Economy, Just Transition to Renewable Energy and Carbon Marketing.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, CAN Tanzania took proactive steps to train newcomers to COP28. The organization, represented by our Executive Director, Dr. Sixbert Mwanga, introduced newcomer delegates to the history and experiences of previous COPs and equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in discussions, negotiations, and networking opportunities at COP28 in Dubai. This program influenced the participants' rate of meaningful engagement.

CAN Tanzania demonstrated its commitment to climate advocacy at COP28 by actively participating in an assortment of side events and on-the-ground actions. Delegates engaged on discussions regarding renewable energy, health and climate, gender inclusion, climate technology and innovation, and climate adaptation and mitigation measures. The organization not only gained valuable insights but also shared its expertise through partners' collaborative side events such as “Unveiling the Nexus Between Sexual Reproductive Health, Gender and Climate Change Adaptation” the session was organized in collaboration with Regenerate Africa from Uganda, “An Undervalued Pathway to Climate Resilience: Investing in Family Planning to Empower Women and Girls” in collaboration with Margaret Pyke Trust, and “Accelerating Climate Smart Innovation in Agriculture: By Addressing Loss and Damage and Innovative Sources of Finance” in collaboration with the United Republic of Tanzania under the Ministry of Agriculture, therefore contributing to the global dialogue on addressing climate change.

One of the key issues addressed by CAN Tanzania at COP28 was the critical matter of Loss and Damage. Delegates from the organization actively participated in discussions surrounding the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. CAN Tanzania advocated for robust policies and mechanisms to address the adverse effects of climate change, emphasizing the need for international collaboration and how to mobilize support to tackle Loss and Damage, citing references from our published study on Climate Finance for Addressing Loss and Damage: How to Mobilize Support for Developing Countries to Tackle Loss and Damage

Climate Action Network Tanzania emerged as a proactive and influential participant at COP28, fostering collaboration with the VPO's office, empowering newcomers, actively participating in side events, and advocating for meaningful action on Loss and Damage. The organization's contributions underscore its commitment to addressing climate change on both national and global fronts.