The 16th edition of the World Social Forum (WSF) was held in Kathmandu from February 15 to February 19, 2024, under the theme “Another World is Possible." ActionAid International Nepal (AAIN), in collaboration with global, regional, national and local  networks and alliances, organized different events, activities, and thematic sessions. Mass mobilization and art activism were done, focusing on climate justice. On the 16th ActionAid, in collaboration with the members of ‘Climate and Development Dialogue,” organized panel discussions centered on ‘Navigating Path to Climate Justice’ where transformation of the extractive economic model, new global financial architecture, and issues of mountains and islands were discussed. Climate activists that came from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Denmark, Jordan, Kenya, India, Italy, Nepal, Uganda, the USA, Vanuatu, and other countries came together to deliberate on various issues related to climate justice.

In the first session, speakers highlighted the urgent need to transform today’s extractive economic model into a regenerative one. The session delved into discussions about how the private sector, especially banks, are still investing in climate-harming businesses. Two of the major sectors responsible for climate change—the fossil fuel industries and industrial agriculture—receive the most finance from the private sector. Banks have provided an annual average of 20 times more financing to fossil fuels and industrial agriculture in the Global South than Global North governments have provided as climate finance to countries on the front lines of the climate crisis. The combined average annual bank financing for fossil fuels and industrial agriculture in the Global South between 2016 and 2022 was $513 billion, while only $22.25 billion was received as financial support for climate action in the Global South in 2020. Despite banks’ pledges to address climate change, the banks have financed $3.2 trillion for fossil fuels and $370 billion for industrial agriculture in the Global South over the past seven years since the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Speakers emphasized that the impacts of climate change affect multiple dimensions of well-being: temperature rise, sea level rise, shifts in precipitation patterns, ocean acidification, and an increasing number of extreme weather events that have an impact on the food system, health, and other aspects of livelihood. In mountainous regions like Nepal and island regions like Vanuatu, the impacts are seen. There is an urgent need to take concrete climate action and to look deep into the current financial architecture. Speakers highlighted the issue that, while considering the historical reparation of the global north, even developing countries should make contributions considering their capacity.

On the 17th, ActionAid, in coordination with Nepal Mahila Ekata Samaj and Lalitkala campus, organized a live art program where artists exhibited their art and conveyed the message of climate justice. Similarly, on the same day, partnering with NMES and Shilpee Theatre, they showed dramas named “Sattapatta” and “Hiun ko Prithvi Yatra” on the 18th. The youth hub from Shankharapur, Kathmandu, portrayed drama related to climate change impacts.

Partners: CND dialogue, ActionAid Federation, NMES, Lalit Kala Campus, LRP's 

Statemet on CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW!
WE MUST TRANSFORM THE EXTRACTIVE ECONOMIC MODEL!

• Stop investing in fossil fuels and industrial agriculture.
• Redirect investment towards a real solution: renewable energy and agroecology that centres the rights of indigenous people,local communities, women, and vulnerable communities.

Find our SOLIDARITY STATEMENT FROM ACTIONAID AND ALLIES in the link:

Solidarity Statement of ActionAid

List of Documents:

Brochure on Climate Justice Campaign

Brochure on Climate Justice

Report on Bank and Private Sector Investment