Local Voices

Sharing insights from the Next Level Grants Facility through the launch of two key publications

The Next Level Grants Facility (NLGF) has generated a wealth of insights on how small-grants mechanisms can better support locally led climate action. These insights are now captured in two new knowledge products, which were officially launched at an online event that also marked the formal closing of the NLGF. The event recording and these publications are now available for viewing.

COP 30: Food Systems Elevated but Little Progress on Agriculture Negotiations

It’s been two months since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) at the Hangar Convention Centre in Belém, Brazil. Expectations had been high ahead of COP 30, as the Brazilian Presidency had positioned food and agriculture as one of the six axes of its Action Agenda and a priority area of investment in the Baku-to-Belem Roadmap. Despite the recognition and increased elevation of food systems during COP, the Global Mutirão - one key text within the Belém Package agreed to by all 195 participating countries - contained no reference to agriculture or food systems.

Grassroots Livelihoods Strengthened through the Next Level Grant Facility

After years of advocacy, Lamu Women Alliance (LAWA) and the community of Lamu are now taking their climate justice efforts to the next level, focusing on livelihood-based solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This new shift was made possible through funding from the Next Level Grant Facility (NLGF) by the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme, with LAWA recommending six active community groups for support.

Reflections on the Tri-National Meeting

What an incredible experience to participate in the Trinational Meeting 2025 in Filadelfia, Paraguay! I arrived full of curiosity and a little nervous to be part of the meeting where a hundred Indigenous and farmer women from the Gran Chaco Americano came to share their stories, challenges, struggles, and unique wisdom from their communities.

Africa Climate Summit: moving from victimhood to climate justice

The 2025 Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa focused on accelerating global climate solutions. Since the first edition in Nairobi in 2023, the narrative has shifted. The story of the continent is no longer one of victimhood. This year, Africa showed it can be an active player, investor, contributor and leader in innovation towards global climate solutions. However, the elephant in the room remains: unlocking climate finance and a green agenda that truly caters for the needs of the African population.

Getting to know our Paraguayan partners

In September, a first series of videos was launched to showcase the work of our local partners in Paraguay and tell their stories from the territories where they work. These audiovisual pieces bring together the experiences of organisations and actors involved in environmental protection and climate change resilience.

Voices from Homa Bay: Women Empowered through Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices

Climate action and women's economic empowerment are intrinsically linked, as women are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts and often face significant barriers to economic advancement. Integrating women's empowerment into climate initiatives not only enhances their resilience but also fosters sustainable development and strengthens communities.

Stories of impact and hope for a sustainable future

Over the past four years (2021–2025), Humanis, through the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme, has worked alongside civil society partners, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, to strengthen local voices in addressing the climate crisis. From supporting coastal communities and farmers to nurturing youth movements and amplifying women’s leadership, these four coalitions - Koalisi Sipil, Koalisi KOPI, Koalisi Pangan Baik, and Koalisi Adaptasi - have shown how change can grow from the ground up.

Celebrating Impact and Sustaining Climate Justice and Action in Zambia Beyond 2025

As the VCA programme in Zambia and globally draws to a close, stakeholders gathered in Chilanga, Zambia, for a three-day close-out meeting to reflect on achievements, celebrate milestones, and chart the way forward for climate justice beyond 2025.

Amplifying Community Voices in Kenya

In Kenya’s Narok, Nakuru, Lamu, and Marsabit Counties, communities are not just responding to climate change, they’re shaping the solutions. Through the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) program, local institutions and marginalised groups have been empowered to lead climate adaptation efforts that reflect their lived realities and priorities.