Durban — Chatsworth activist Kumi Naidoo has been appointed to head the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, a significant move for global environmental advocacy.
The initiative has embarked on a new phase aimed at developing a global treaty. It aims to create a framework that supports countries in transitioning to sustainable energy sources while ensuring that the rights of affected communities are upheld.
Naidoo, a renowned South African environmental and human rights leader, brings three decades of activism and leadership experience to the role. He could be instrumental in advancing the organisation’s mission to establish a comprehensive plan for a just, financed and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Naidoo’s activism is deeply rooted in South Africa’s struggle for democracy, where he became a prominent voice for climate justice and sustainable development. His career includes serving as the executive director of Greenpeace International, as well as holding leadership positions with Amnesty International and Civicus.
Civicus is a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world.
Reverend James Bagwan has been selected as a co-chairperson to the initiative. Bagwan brings years of experience and crucial perspectives from the faith community and leadership from the South Pacific.
In his new role, Naidoo said he would work to unite diverse stakeholders in addressing the urgent need for an equitable transition from fossil fuel dependency, advocating for policies that prioritise social and environmental justice.
“I feel hopeful a shift away from oil, gas and coal is possible and I am happy to be joining the initiative as its first president to help make it happen,” he said.
Naidoo said there were enough solutions to transition away from oil, gas and coal, but that required countries to stop expanding these projects and start focusing on clean, safe and fair energy sources.
“We need bold ideas, and this is the biggest new idea there is, and just at a time when the power and deception of the fossil fuel industry are finally being exposed, and countries are beginning to realise that we need to phase out fossil fuels,” said Naidoo.
“The Treaty is a blueprint for how to do that in a fair and equitable way. Later is too late. The race to see who will join the growing bloc of countries at the forefront of the solution is on, said Naidoo.
Chairperson and founder of the initiative and a long-time environmental activist, Tzeporah Berman said Naidoo’s visionary leadership, deep understanding of global issues, and unwavering commitment to justice make him the addition “we need to help guide our movement through this crucial phase of the campaign as we bring more governments on board.”
“His passion for the cause and extensive experience in climate advocacy will be instrumental as we strive to unite nations and make this Treaty a reality.”
Berman said that Naidoo had done it before, from fighting apartheid to contributing to the negotiation of the Paris Agreement – and together they would address the greatest threat “of our time”.
Founder and director of Power Shift Africa, and member of the steering committee, Mohamed Adow said: “The world is burning, both literally and figuratively. Naidoo brings inspiration to our movement, at a time when we can no longer accept weak leaders and their empty promises.”
Tasneem Essop, the executive director of Climate Action Network, and member of the steering committee said “in our historic struggles we have always defied the odds and succeeded”.
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