The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which includes 2,300 NGOs from 106 countries specializing in health, environment and climate change issues, has issued a statement of support to Azerbaijan regarding COP29.
The statement was signed by Head of AHOA Uzodinma Adirieje. 107 NGOs from 30 countries, who are members and partners of AHOA, also joined the appeal.
In its statement, the AHOA welcomes Azerbaijan’s genuine dedication and leadership in global action on climate change, calling on the world to seize the historic opportunity created by COP29 to combat climate change.
We present the statement: “As we approach the 29th UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP29) to be held in Azerbaijan, the leadership and members/partners of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) extend our heartfelt support to the COP29 Presidency and Azerbaijan, the host country as they undertake the crucial task of guiding the global community towards a sustainable and resilient future. While AHOA deeply concerned about the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet, we are inspired by the expressed dedication and leadership demonstrated by both the COP29 Presidency and Azerbaijan in advancing climate action on the international stage. The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. We are at a critical juncture where bold and decisive actions are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change, protect vulnerable communities/populations, and preserve our precious ecosystems for future generations. In this regard, AHOA is pleased to note the commitment of COP29 Presidency and host country in fostering dialogue, cooperation, and innovation is of paramount importance.
We are optimistic that Azerbaijan, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes, is not only a custodian of invaluable ecological treasures but also a proactive advocate for climate change and environmental stewardship. Through initiatives such as “Troika – Mission 1.5”, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sustainable development in climate resilience and ensure continuity of the successes made in COP28. Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is very optimistic that Azerbaijan will achieve strong consensual outcomes in climate change negotiations during COP29.
The Civil Society plays a pivotal role in climate action, serving as a catalyst for change, and driving grassroots movements. From community-led climate adaptation projects to youth-led advocacy campaigns, civil society organizations are instrumental in raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and driving policy change at all levels. As Azerbaijan/COP29 Presidency assumes the mantle of global leadership in addressing climate change, Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) as a global Network and think- tank have full confidence in the ability of the COP29 Presidency and Azerbaijan to facilitate meaningful collaboration, drive ambitious commitments, and chart a course towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
We stand in solidarity with the COP29 Presidency, Azerbaijan, and civil society organizations around the world in the efforts to accelerate climate action and build a brighter tomorrow for our planet. Together, let us seize this historic opportunity to turn the tide on climate change and create a world where both people and nature thrive.
Accept, Excellency, my highest considerations and AHOA’s unending commitment to the success of COP29.”
Signatures:
1. Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje – Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), Nigeria
2. Lady Uju Ifeacho – Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN), Nigeria
3. Bieni Victor Emenike – Delta Cultural Initiative Worldwide, Delta
State, Nigeria
4. Mahamat Abdelkerim Abbas – International Helping for the Young, Chad
5. Bonsile S.MAMBA – International Community of Women living with HIV Eswatini, Kingdom of Eswatini
6. Yoila Samari Raymond – Tansana Health and Community Integrated
Development Initiative, Taraba State, Nigeria
7. Dieu Merci Kandundaho Mutumayi – Kandux, Democratic Republic of the Congo
8. Peter Oru Bette – Biakwan Light Green Initiative, Cross river state, Nigeria
9. Lindokuhle Sibiya – Youth and Women for Change in Eswatini, Eswatini
10. Indereyimana Janvier – Esaff Burundi, Burundi
11. Yahya Diallo – Mauritanienne pour le Développement et la Solidarité AMDS et point Focal GNDR pour la Mauritanie, Mauritanie
12. Hawa Sidibé – Association du Développement et de la Promotion des Droits de l’Homme (ADPDH), Nouakchott, Mauritania
13. Dr. Semjidmaa Choijil (PhD) – Psychological Responsiveness NGO (PSR), Mongolia
14. Arumugam Sankar – Empower India, India
15. Emmanuel Ikule – Elixir Trust Foundation, Benue State, Nigeria
16. Equipo Juridico – Fundación Retorno a la Libertad, Bogotá, Colombia
17. Mohamed Jalloh – Trainer/Environment and Social Justice Advocate, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa
18. Umar Grema – Borno Women Development Initiative (BOWDI), Nigeria
19. Folorunsho Dayo Oluwafemi – Initiative for climate change and renewable energy advocacy (ICCREA), Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria
20. Erustus Muriki – Ufanisi Youth Advocacy Alliance, Kenya
21. Mr. Bernard Yovo – Health Aid – Social Actions (AS), Lome -Togo
22. Patience Chilundu Nyambe – Zambia Association on employment for persons with disabilities (ZAEPD), Zambia- Southern Africa
23. Meck Sibanda – Christian Youth Volunteers Association Trust, Zimbabwe
24. Refiloe masaoana – The People’s Matrix Association, Lesotho
25. Mohd Abdu Dutse – Prime initiative for community development and fiscal transparency, Nigeria
26. Nimat O Labaika – Fulfilling Dreams Foundation, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
27. Emmanuel Esio – Global Leadership Initiatives for Education, Health and Social Development (GLIEHSD), Nigeria
28. Frank Nduu Nawej – Institut d’études et recherches pour la qualité en santé “Ireqs”, Lubumbashi, RD Congo
29. Sanjage Braimah – Censodev, Ghana
30. Baraou Garba – Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies Director of environmental preservation, Niger Republic
31. Kenneth Nana Amoateng – Abibi Nsroma Foundation, Ghana
32. Mohammad Hassan Mashori – Fundamental Human Rights & Rural Development Association (FHRRDA), Pakistan
33. Peter Ng’ola Owiti – Wote Youth Development Projects CBO, Kenya
34. Maria Goretty Okorie – City and Hamlet Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, Abuja, Nigeria
35. Asikaralu Okafor – Village Farmers Initiative (VFI), Nigeria
36. Dr. Oluwatosin Kolade – Health Systems Consult Limited (HSCL), Nigeria
37. Prof. R.O.Ojutiku – Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
38. Christ Eminence LANDZI – Association Les Amis du Bassin du Congo, République du Congo
39. Daniel Amani – Engagement Citoyen pour la promotion de la Paix et le Développement (ECPD), Goma town, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
40. Ekaette Anwana Esq – Advocates of Peace, Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG), Nigeria
41. Augustne John Nyakatoma – Peace and Hope for Youth Development (PHY), Mwanza City, Tanzania
42. Juliet Were – Women’s International Peace Centre, Uganda
43. Amb Lami Bako Yakasai – Enlightenment and Empowerment of Northern Women Initiative, Kano Nigeria
44. Peter Owiti – Wote Youth Development Projects CBO, Kenya
45. Cerue Konah Garlo – Women Education Development Organization, Liberia
46. Bernice Kaleve – Wote Youth Development Projects CBO, Kenya
47. Miriam Menkiti – Women Information Network (WINET), Nigeria
48. Mohammad Hassan Mashori – FHRRDA, Pakistan
49. Dr. Anima Sharma – Ashwasti, INDIA
50. Johnson Ziem Kuubekyire – Resource Link Foundation, Ghana
51. Edeng Marie Laure – ONG “Plus de Sida dans les Familles, Gabon
52. Ekpe Muhammed Arong – Re-greening the environment for Sustainable livelihoods initiative (RESLI), Nigeria
53. Clemency Zere Ishaya – Green Land in Developing Environments (GLIDE), Nigeria
54. Thea Kabily – ONG Jeunes Actions pour la Santé et le Développement (JASD), Guinée Conakry
55. Jude C Nwachukwu – The Movement for Community Led Development MCLD Liberia Chapter Inc., Monrovia, Liberia
56. Orugbo E.Ovuodo – Koslivia Development Initiative (KODI), Nigeria
57. Felix Ukam – Centre for Healthworks, Development and Research Initiative (CHEDRES), Nigeria
58. Kenwilliams Mhango – African Network for Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN), Malawi
59. Mahamat Abdelkerim Abbas – International Helping for the Young, N’djamena, Chad
60. Boubacar Issa Traoré – NGO Peace One Day, Mali
61. Peter oru Bette – Biakwan Light Green Initiative, Biakwan community, Boki, CRS, Nigeria
62. Joab Oluoch Misula – Bridge Shakers Youth Group, Nairobi, Kenya
63. Alhussain Abdullahi – Transparency and Accountability in Totality Initiative TinT- FollowTaxes, Nigeria
64. Dr. Adepoju Oluwatosin Diana – Orion Empowerment Foundation, Lagos Nigeria
65. Yizukanji Yoradi Sikombe – Africa Child Foundation Mission of Tanzania, Tanzania
66. Emmanuella Lovelyn Nwabrije – Committed Soul Women Health Advocacy Africa initiative (COSWOHI), Nigeria
67. Naomi Nyambura Gitiba. Geo-Mano Consultancy, Kenya
68. Evang Mrs Dike Helen – Environmental Influence on Youths Restiveness and Widowhood Initiative, Delta State, Nigeria
69. Nwabufo Ngnedjou Francoise – Family Health and Development Foundation (fahedef), Cameroon
70. Prof Ejaz Ahmad Khan – Prof of Public Health and Epidemiology, Health Services Academy, Pakistan
71. Dr. Raymond Ruyoka – Regional Director Yadnet Africa, Uganda
72. Saudat Yaki – Yaki Women Support Group, Niger State, Nigeria
73. Shaibu Salami – Environmental Degradation Organization of Nigeria, Nigeria
74. Titilayo Olorunfemi – Natural Eco Capital, Lagos State, Nigeria
75. Mustafa Hassan – Sudan Youth Organization on Climate Change, South Darfur, Nyala, South Darfur
76. Herbert Bangura – Young Peace Builders (YPB), Sierra Leone. West Africa
77. Cerue Konah Garlo – Women Education Development Organization, Monrovia, Liberia
78. Harry Ben Alpha – Consortium for the Advancement of Rights of Key Affected Populations (CARKAP), Sierra Leone
79. Uroh Esther Nnachi – Coalition for promotion of Women’s Rights, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Nigeria
80. Peter Hassan Tijani – Network for Empowerment and Development initiative (NEDIN), Nigeria
81. W.Miles – EMFSA, Cape Town, South Africa
82. Abaniwo C.Nathaniel – RECAN, Nigeria
83. Kapi BILIVOGUI – Association Guinée Nouvelle Vision (AGNV), Guinée-Conakry
84. Alexander Akhigbe – African Cleanup Initiative, Nigeria
85. Nivedita Kurade – Friends for future; CYMG; Atlas movement, Kenya
86. Elder Okon Enemi – Green Vision for Community Development Initiative, Nigeria
87. Benjamin Kwadwo Appiah – Freeworld International, Ghana
88. Augostine Nchore Nyarango – University of Embu Environment Club, Kenya
89. Tayebwa Philips – Healing Health Healing Hearts, Nakivale refugee settlement, Uganda
90. Hassan Ibrahim Gama – Friends of the Community Organization FOCO, Nigeria
91. Frances Bekey – Women Empowerment, Self-help, and Social Development Initiative, Nigeria
92. Agoha Chinemerem S.- Civil Society Partnership for Development in Nigeria (CSPDN), Owerri, Nigeria
93. Kristine Yakhama – Good Health Community Programmes, Kenya
94. Saurabh Kumar – YOUNGO, İndia
95. Charles Mbuthia – Agricultural Council of Kenya
96. Alexpius Nyakado Onunga – Kawiri Community-based organization, Kenya
97. Bazra Tsogt – Mongolian anti TB Coalition, Mongolia
98. Edith Uzoadirieje – Dr Uzo Adirieje Foundation (DUZAFOUND), Nigeria
99. Agoha Chinemerem S. – Civil Society Partnership for Development in Nigeria (CSPDN), Owerri, Nigeria
100. Showemimo Lydia Omolola – Young Volunteer for the Environment, Nigeria, Togo
101. Itumeleng Phage – Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa
102. Unyime Ada F. – Hope for the hopeless social development foundation, Nigeria
103. Temple Bright. – Citizens Development Centre, Nigeria
104. Khalid AbdiAziz Hersi – World Concern, Ethiopia
105. Evans Enwefah – Community Aid Development Foundation, Lagos Nigeria
106. Cynthia Buluebiere Bright – Gbolekekro Women Empowerment and Development Organization (GWEDO), Nigeria
107. Archana Sharma – Bindu, India