Shift the Power, Fund the Future: ActionAid and Partners Walk for Climate Justice in Makeni
ActionAid Sierra Leone and partners amplify calls for urgent climate action during the Global Week of Climate Action.
As part of the Global Week of Climate Action (14-20 September), ActionAid Sierra Leone, Global Platform Sierra Leone and partners took to the streets of Makeni in a Climate Walk, standing in solidarity with communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis and with Global Platforms around the world.
Under the banner “Shift the Power! Fund the Future, Not the Crisis!”, participants marched for systemic change and an equitable power shift that puts people and the planet first. They called for the reclaiming of our commons, the defence of human rights, and support for young people in their demand for resilient, sustainable communities free from pollution.
The walk was joined by the Mayor of Makeni City. This walk was a call to make sure the voices of those most affected are heard and to hold duty bearers accountable for urgent climate action.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Makeni City pointed to a gap between climate funding and the people who need it.
“There is definitely a flow of money, but it falls into the wrong hands,” the Mayor said, noting that properties in Makeni have been damaged by the effects of climate change.
Haja Mariama Bangura from Global Platform Sierra Leone reminded participants that the stakes will only grow.
“Makeni is an example of how much we are affected by this climate change, lots of properties and lives are gone so it is time for us to act.” Bangura said.
With only a few years left until the end of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Haja Mariama Bangura urged citizens to ask their leaders what they have done so far towards climate action.
The Climate Walk is one part of a wider movement. ActionAid Sierra Leone invites everyone to keep pushing for climate justice and to help build a future rooted in justice and equity.