In an effort to strengthen disaster resilience and foster inclusive community development, Participatory Development Associates (PDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM). This partnership is dedicated to advancing climate resilience, promoting sustainability, and addressing the diverse needs of marginalized communities, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), in the context of emergency management and climate change adaptation.
The MOU outlines the shared goals and framework for collaboration, which focuses on empowering vulnerable populations and advancing climate change resilience through community-led initiatives. Together, PDA and I-DIEM aim to enhance the capacity of communities to prepare for and recover from emergencies while ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable groups are heard and included in decision-making processes.
Shared Goals:
- Strengthening Climate Change Resilience and Sustainability: Through community engagement and advocacy, the partners aim to enhance climate resilience by working with communities to develop and implement sustainable solutions.
- Building Capacity in Vulnerable Populations: PDA and I-DIEM are committed to improving the knowledge and capacity of vulnerable populations, particularly in climate change adaptation, agriculture, and mental health.
- Advancing Research, Advocacy, and Policy Initiatives: The partners will work together to address the differentiated impacts of climate change on vulnerable groups, especially women and youth, by conducting research, advocating for inclusive policies, and supporting initiatives that reflect these communities’ needs.
- Facilitating Access to Climate Financing: By fostering partnerships, engaging in grant writing, and advocating for increased access to climate financing, the partners will support vulnerable communities in securing resources needed to build resilience.
Areas of Collaboration
The collaboration between PDA and I-DIEM will focus on advancing shared goals in line with I-DIEM’s mission to enhance disaster resilience and climate change adaptation in African communities. This will be done through inclusive, equitable, and sustainable solutions, as well as PDA’s work with communities to facilitate participation and empower local people to take greater control over their futures. The partners will work together on:
- Community Education and Awareness: Engaging communities through climate campaigns, media outreach, and educational initiatives to raise awareness on climate resilience, emergency preparedness, and sustainability.
- Climate Advocacy and Policy Initiatives: Supporting advocacy efforts for policies that address the needs of marginalized communities, particularly in relation to climate change adaptation and disaster resilience.
- Capacity Building: Organizing workshops, training programs, and events aimed at building the capacity of local stakeholders, organizations, and governments to effectively respond to climate-related challenges.
- Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of lessons learned and expertise in climate and disaster management, enabling stakeholders to access resources and insights that enhance their resilience efforts.
- Partnership and Network Opportunities: Creating opportunities for collaboration across sectors, connecting local communities with networks and partners to foster sustainable development and climate resilience.
- Climate-Focused Events: Organizing and participating in events that focus on climate change, disaster resilience, and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on inclusive participation and community-led solutions.
Edem Agbe, Managing Director of PDA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We look forward to opportunities to collaborate and co-create programs together that will empower communities, especially those who are most vulnerable, to not only survive but thrive in the face of emergencies.”
This MOU marks the beginning of a strong partnership that will help build inclusive climate resilience across communities in Africa. Both PDA and I-DIEM are committed to ensuring that the most marginalized groups—especially women, youth, and PWDs—are not only included in but are central to the development and implementation of climate adaptation and disaster management strategies.