The Civil Society Network On Climate Change (CISONECC) has urged its member organizations to demonstrate commitment as a means of advancing the network's mandate to coordinate responses to climate change and associated disasters.

During CISONECC's 10th Annual General Meeting in Salima district on Tuesday, outgoing Board Chairperson Sophie Kaonongera emphasized the imperative for all authentic network members to actively participate in their thematic technical working groups.

Kaonongera stressed that upon joining the network, members are expected to engage in technical working groups, thereby contributing their expertise to devise solutions to various climate-related challenges.

Victor Mughogho, Director of Eagles Relief and Development Program - a member organization of CISONECC chairing the programs and policy sub-committee - highlighted the importance of robust collaboration among civil society organizations in combating climate change.

He underscored the necessity for a unified voice in addressing climate change, pointing to the example of COP28 where government and CSOs must present a unified stance. Thus, within the CSO community, enhanced coordination is essential.

"Critical climate issues like financing, adaptation, resilience, and loss and damage need proactive addressing within CSOs' technical working groups to yield substantial impacts. No CSO should remain passive; each should contribute ideas," he emphasized.

Mughogho outlined the larger role of CSOs as advocates for voiceless and vulnerable communities by channeling inputs to relevant authorities for action.

Julius Ngoma, National Coordinator for CISONECC, reiterated the call for ongoing government support to strengthen coordination between CSOs and government ministries. He stressed the necessity of a cohesive working relationship to effectively address the impacts of climate change.

"As CISONECC, we aim to complement government efforts by advocating for resources to aid in rebuilding disaster-affected communities. This advocacy will extend to COP28, lobbying for resources designated to finance the resilience-building and recovery of least developed countries affected by loss and damages," Ngoma stated.

He added that moving forward, efforts will be made to expand CISONECC's membership base by raising awareness about the advantages CSOs can gain by joining the network. The 10th AGM also witnessed the election of two new board members and the approval of new organizations to join the network.