Day 2 of COP30 in Belém highlighted a transformative shift in the global climate agenda: the emphasis moved decisively from national pledges to tangible local action. African leadership was at the forefront, signalling that communities, cities, and subnational authorities are pivotal in operationalising climate policies and translating global commitments into measurable results.
Ghana and Kenya emerged as notable African leaders, formally endorsing the Global Framework for Public Procurement of Near-Zero and Resilient Buildings, a move that positions the continent as a key factor in shaping sustainable infrastructure, resilient urban development, and climate adaptation. By embracing the framework, these nations are demonstrating that Africa is not only a participant but a leader in setting international climate standards that align local implementation with global ambition.
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A central initiative on Day 2 was the “Beat the Heat Implementation Drive,” co-led by the COP30 Presidency and UNEP’s Cool Coalition. This flagship programme aims to protect 3.5 billion people across 185 cities worldwide from extreme heat by 2030. African cities are fully integrated into this initiative, implementing urban greening solutions such as parks, tree-lined streets, and green roofs, alongside passive cooling in buildings and reflective surfaces.
Heat adaptation strategies also include the deployment of energy-efficient, low-global-warming-potential cooling technologies in schools, hospitals, and public spaces. These measures are being integrated into national adaptation frameworks, ensuring African communities are equipped to respond to escalating heat risks. The initiative exemplifies a broader global trend: localised solutions, supported by international finance and technical partnerships, are central to climate resilience.
Ghana and Kenya Lead Resilient Infrastructure
The Buildings Breakthrough Initiative, unveiled at COP30, establishes international standards for Near-Zero and Resilient Buildings (NZERBs). Ghana and Kenya joined Colombia, France, Finland, and Japan in endorsing the Global Framework for Public Procurement, a critical milestone for embedding resilience and sustainability into public infrastructure. By incorporating these standards into government procurement processes, African nations are reducing emissions from public buildings, enhancing their climate resilience, and promoting circular economy principles.
The framework also creates a shared language for global construction standards, encouraging innovation and investment in resilient, low-carbon building materials, and methods. This move marks a significant step in aligning Africa’s urban development with the Paris Agreement’s long-term objectives.
Water Security: Africa’s Cornerstone of Adaptation
Water resilience took centre stage during Day 2, with Africa actively engaging in initiatives such as the Latin America & Caribbean Water Investment Programme, which aims to mobilise USD 20 billion globally by 2030. These investments target drinking water security, modernised irrigation systems, and improved flood and drought resilience. During the High-Level Ministerial session “Waters of Change,” ministers and partners emphasised that water is foundational to adaptation, sustainable development, and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals. For African countries, many of which are highly vulnerable to climate-induced water stress, participation in these programmes ensures access to critical expertise, finance, and infrastructure development. The continent’s proactive engagement reflects a recognition that water management is not a peripheral issue but a central pillar of climate resilience.
Africa also engaged with global efforts to connect climate action with social and economic development through the No Organic Waste (NOW) Plan. The initiative targets a 30 per cent reduction in methane emissions from organic waste by 2030 while recovering 20 million tonnes of surplus food annually and integrating one million waste workers into the circular economy. African cities participating in pilot programmes are demonstrating how waste management can drive resilience, improve nutrition, and create sustainable livelihoods. With 25 cities across 18 countries already engaged, Africa is illustrating the potential of locally tailored circular economy solutions that can inform national strategies and attract multilateral and private investment.
Governance and Finance
Effective governance emerged as a key theme on Day 2. The Plan to Accelerate Multilevel Governance (PAS) and the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) seek to integrate multilevel governance into 100 countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2028 and train 6,000 public officials in climate governance. African countries, including Cameroon and Madagascar, are hosting Country Platforms for Localising Finance (CPLFs), aiming to mobilise USD 350 million and engage over 200 local and regional governments by 2028. This framework ensures that climate finance, capacity-building, and technical support reach the local level, enabling municipalities to implement climate initiatives effectively and equitably. By participating in CHAMP and PAS, African governments are demonstrating how multilevel partnerships can bridge the gap between high-level ambition and practical, on-the-ground delivery.
The endorsement of the Global Public Procurement Climate Framework by Ghana and Kenya exemplifies Africa’s capacity to translate international standards into actionable, localised initiatives. Through resilient building standards, urban heat adaptation, water security investments, and circular economy programmes, the continent is showing that climate progress is not measured by pledges alone but by tangible outcomes that strengthen communities. This approach reflects a wider global paradigm: successful climate action depends on the integration of governance, finance, infrastructure, and local leadership.
From Endorsement to Impact
Day 2 of COP30 confirmed that Africa is actively shaping the operationalisation of the Paris Agreement. Ghana and Kenya’s endorsement of the public procurement framework, alongside continental engagement in heat adaptation, water resilience, and circular economy initiatives, demonstrates that Africa is turning frameworks into measurable, life-changing results. As COP30 moves forward into discussions on health, education, jobs, and justice, Africa’s leadership signals a clear message: meaningful climate action begins where people live, work, and build their futures. The continent’s proactive engagement ensures that global climate commitments are translated into practical solutions with lasting impact.
