Enhancing the resilience of their agroecosystem to climate change is crucial for farmers and vulnerable communities; Cambodia
Enhancing the resilience of their agroecosystem to climate change is crucial for farmers and vulnerable communities; Cambodia

IC Symposium 2024 - Balancing Climate Protection with Poverty Reduction

Embracing Trade-Offs and Developing Win-Wins

On November 11, 2024, Caritas Switzerland hosted a half-day symposium dedicated to exploring the intricate relationship between climate protection and socioeconomic development in the Global South. We were delighted to welcome such a diverse group of speakers, including development experts and climate activists from the Global South, as well as representatives from prominent international civil society organizations, and green tech entrepreneurs.

The international experts who took part in this year's Caritas Switzerland IC Symposium discussed how to balance poverty reduction with climate action in international development and cooperation. The debate was very special because so many different voices, backgrounds and approaches came together to find a middle ground.
The international experts who took part in this year's Caritas Switzerland IC Symposium discussed how to balance poverty reduction with climate action in international development and cooperation. The debate was very special because so many different voices, backgrounds and approaches came together to find a middle ground. © Dany Schulthess
1 / 10
In her keynote speech, Anna Panagiotou of Cynefin Co. talked about complexity and how development cooperation is a complex system, especially when it has to serve multiple goals at the same time.
In her keynote speech, Anna Panagiotou of Cynefin Co. talked about complexity and how development cooperation is a complex system, especially when it has to serve multiple goals at the same time. © Dany Schulthess
2 / 10
Kursheda Aknazarova came all the way from Tajikistan to share her experience of the importance of climate action. Aknazarova currently works as a coordinator for UNESCO in Tajikistan.
Kursheda Aknazarova came all the way from Tajikistan to share her experience of the importance of climate action. Aknazarova currently works as a coordinator for UNESCO in Tajikistan. © Dany Schulthess
3 / 10
Winnie Cheche, is a well known climate activist from Kenya who works closely with climate change affected communities. Her voice on the panel was strong, advocating for more locally led solutions.
Winnie Cheche, is a well known climate activist from Kenya who works closely with climate change affected communities. Her voice on the panel was strong, advocating for more locally led solutions. © Dany Schulthess
4 / 10
Wolfgang Rams is the CEO of AfricaGreenTec, a solar startup that is bringing electricity to rural Africa and creating new opportunities. For Wolfgang, local entrepreneurs are the solution to bridging the poverty gap and protecting the environment at the same time.
Wolfgang Rams is the CEO of AfricaGreenTec, a solar startup that is bringing electricity to rural Africa and creating new opportunities. For Wolfgang, local entrepreneurs are the solution to bridging the poverty gap and protecting the environment at the same time. © Dany Schulthess
5 / 10
Marianna Leite is the Global Advocacy and Development Policy Lead at ACT Alliance. Marianna said that during and after the debate she was puzzled by the question of how we can find the balance - in terms of really fundamentally changing the neo-colonial systems that drive us towards endless profit that only benefits few, to benefit everyone.
Marianna Leite is the Global Advocacy and Development Policy Lead at ACT Alliance. Marianna said that during and after the debate she was puzzled by the question of how we can find the balance - in terms of really fundamentally changing the neo-colonial systems that drive us towards endless profit that only benefits few, to benefit everyone. © Dany Schulthess
6 / 10
Luisa Fondello from Caritas Europa had the difficult task of summarising the debate and presenting the key findings. For her, she said, one of the most pressing questions was how concrete projects at the local level can really protect the environment, but also be inclusive and benefit local communities.
Luisa Fondello from Caritas Europa had the difficult task of summarising the debate and presenting the key findings. For her, she said, one of the most pressing questions was how concrete projects at the local level can really protect the environment, but also be inclusive and benefit local communities. © Dany Schulthess
7 / 10
Evelyn Acham is a climate activist from Uganda and a very strong voice for a more just climate finance system. She left for the COP in Baku immediately after our event in Bern.
Evelyn Acham is a climate activist from Uganda and a very strong voice for a more just climate finance system. She left for the COP in Baku immediately after our event in Bern. © Dany Schulthess
8 / 10
Till Kellerhoff is a Program Director at the Club of Rome. During the debate, he emphasised that wealthy countries such as Switzerland bear an even greater responsibility to provide assistance to those adversely affected by climate change.
Till Kellerhoff is a Program Director at the Club of Rome. During the debate, he emphasised that wealthy countries such as Switzerland bear an even greater responsibility to provide assistance to those adversely affected by climate change. © Dany Schulthess
9 / 10
The debate was held in the middle ground format - a new style of debate for everyone. This made the debate very exciting.
The debate was held in the middle ground format - a new style of debate for everyone. This made the debate very exciting. © Dany Schulthess
10 / 10
The international experts who took part in this year's Caritas Switzerland IC Symposium discussed how to balance poverty reduction with climate action in international development and cooperation. The debate was very special because so many different voices, backgrounds and approaches came together to find a middle ground.
The international experts who took part in this year's Caritas Switzerland IC Symposium discussed how to balance poverty reduction with climate action in international development and cooperation. The debate was very special because so many different voices, backgrounds and approaches came together to find a middle ground. © Dany Schulthess
1 / 10
In her keynote speech, Anna Panagiotou of Cynefin Co. talked about complexity and how development cooperation is a complex system, especially when it has to serve multiple goals at the same time.
In her keynote speech, Anna Panagiotou of Cynefin Co. talked about complexity and how development cooperation is a complex system, especially when it has to serve multiple goals at the same time. © Dany Schulthess
2 / 10
Kursheda Aknazarova came all the way from Tajikistan to share her experience of the importance of climate action. Aknazarova currently works as a coordinator for UNESCO in Tajikistan.
Kursheda Aknazarova came all the way from Tajikistan to share her experience of the importance of climate action. Aknazarova currently works as a coordinator for UNESCO in Tajikistan. © Dany Schulthess
3 / 10
Winnie Cheche, is a well known climate activist from Kenya who works closely with climate change affected communities. Her voice on the panel was strong, advocating for more locally led solutions.
Winnie Cheche, is a well known climate activist from Kenya who works closely with climate change affected communities. Her voice on the panel was strong, advocating for more locally led solutions. © Dany Schulthess
4 / 10
Wolfgang Rams is the CEO of AfricaGreenTec, a solar startup that is bringing electricity to rural Africa and creating new opportunities. For Wolfgang, local entrepreneurs are the solution to bridging the poverty gap and protecting the environment at the same time.
Wolfgang Rams is the CEO of AfricaGreenTec, a solar startup that is bringing electricity to rural Africa and creating new opportunities. For Wolfgang, local entrepreneurs are the solution to bridging the poverty gap and protecting the environment at the same time. © Dany Schulthess
5 / 10
Marianna Leite is the Global Advocacy and Development Policy Lead at ACT Alliance. Marianna said that during and after the debate she was puzzled by the question of how we can find the balance - in terms of really fundamentally changing the neo-colonial systems that drive us towards endless profit that only benefits few, to benefit everyone.
Marianna Leite is the Global Advocacy and Development Policy Lead at ACT Alliance. Marianna said that during and after the debate she was puzzled by the question of how we can find the balance - in terms of really fundamentally changing the neo-colonial systems that drive us towards endless profit that only benefits few, to benefit everyone. © Dany Schulthess
6 / 10
Luisa Fondello from Caritas Europa had the difficult task of summarising the debate and presenting the key findings. For her, she said, one of the most pressing questions was how concrete projects at the local level can really protect the environment, but also be inclusive and benefit local communities.
Luisa Fondello from Caritas Europa had the difficult task of summarising the debate and presenting the key findings. For her, she said, one of the most pressing questions was how concrete projects at the local level can really protect the environment, but also be inclusive and benefit local communities. © Dany Schulthess
7 / 10
Evelyn Acham is a climate activist from Uganda and a very strong voice for a more just climate finance system. She left for the COP in Baku immediately after our event in Bern.
Evelyn Acham is a climate activist from Uganda and a very strong voice for a more just climate finance system. She left for the COP in Baku immediately after our event in Bern. © Dany Schulthess
8 / 10
Till Kellerhoff is a Program Director at the Club of Rome. During the debate, he emphasised that wealthy countries such as Switzerland bear an even greater responsibility to provide assistance to those adversely affected by climate change.
Till Kellerhoff is a Program Director at the Club of Rome. During the debate, he emphasised that wealthy countries such as Switzerland bear an even greater responsibility to provide assistance to those adversely affected by climate change. © Dany Schulthess
9 / 10
The debate was held in the middle ground format - a new style of debate for everyone. This made the debate very exciting.
The debate was held in the middle ground format - a new style of debate for everyone. This made the debate very exciting. © Dany Schulthess
10 / 10
The international experts who took part in this year's Caritas Switzerland IC Symposium discussed how to balance poverty reduction with climate action in international development and cooperation. The debate was very special because so many different voices, backgrounds and approaches came together to find a middle ground.
The international experts who took part in this year's Caritas Switzerland IC Symposium discussed how to balance poverty reduction with climate action in international development and cooperation. The debate was very special because so many different voices, backgrounds and approaches came together to find a middle ground. © Dany Schulthess
1 / 10
In her keynote speech, Anna Panagiotou of Cynefin Co. talked about complexity and how development cooperation is a complex system, especially when it has to serve multiple goals at the same time.
In her keynote speech, Anna Panagiotou of Cynefin Co. talked about complexity and how development cooperation is a complex system, especially when it has to serve multiple goals at the same time. © Dany Schulthess
2 / 10
Kursheda Aknazarova came all the way from Tajikistan to share her experience of the importance of climate action. Aknazarova currently works as a coordinator for UNESCO in Tajikistan.
Kursheda Aknazarova came all the way from Tajikistan to share her experience of the importance of climate action. Aknazarova currently works as a coordinator for UNESCO in Tajikistan. © Dany Schulthess
3 / 10
Winnie Cheche, is a well known climate activist from Kenya who works closely with climate change affected communities. Her voice on the panel was strong, advocating for more locally led solutions.
Winnie Cheche, is a well known climate activist from Kenya who works closely with climate change affected communities. Her voice on the panel was strong, advocating for more locally led solutions. © Dany Schulthess
4 / 10
Wolfgang Rams is the CEO of AfricaGreenTec, a solar startup that is bringing electricity to rural Africa and creating new opportunities. For Wolfgang, local entrepreneurs are the solution to bridging the poverty gap and protecting the environment at the same time.
Wolfgang Rams is the CEO of AfricaGreenTec, a solar startup that is bringing electricity to rural Africa and creating new opportunities. For Wolfgang, local entrepreneurs are the solution to bridging the poverty gap and protecting the environment at the same time. © Dany Schulthess
5 / 10
Marianna Leite is the Global Advocacy and Development Policy Lead at ACT Alliance. Marianna said that during and after the debate she was puzzled by the question of how we can find the balance - in terms of really fundamentally changing the neo-colonial systems that drive us towards endless profit that only benefits few, to benefit everyone.
Marianna Leite is the Global Advocacy and Development Policy Lead at ACT Alliance. Marianna said that during and after the debate she was puzzled by the question of how we can find the balance - in terms of really fundamentally changing the neo-colonial systems that drive us towards endless profit that only benefits few, to benefit everyone. © Dany Schulthess
6 / 10
Luisa Fondello from Caritas Europa had the difficult task of summarising the debate and presenting the key findings. For her, she said, one of the most pressing questions was how concrete projects at the local level can really protect the environment, but also be inclusive and benefit local communities.
Luisa Fondello from Caritas Europa had the difficult task of summarising the debate and presenting the key findings. For her, she said, one of the most pressing questions was how concrete projects at the local level can really protect the environment, but also be inclusive and benefit local communities. © Dany Schulthess
7 / 10
Evelyn Acham is a climate activist from Uganda and a very strong voice for a more just climate finance system. She left for the COP in Baku immediately after our event in Bern.
Evelyn Acham is a climate activist from Uganda and a very strong voice for a more just climate finance system. She left for the COP in Baku immediately after our event in Bern. © Dany Schulthess
8 / 10
Till Kellerhoff is a Program Director at the Club of Rome. During the debate, he emphasised that wealthy countries such as Switzerland bear an even greater responsibility to provide assistance to those adversely affected by climate change.
Till Kellerhoff is a Program Director at the Club of Rome. During the debate, he emphasised that wealthy countries such as Switzerland bear an even greater responsibility to provide assistance to those adversely affected by climate change. © Dany Schulthess
9 / 10
The debate was held in the middle ground format - a new style of debate for everyone. This made the debate very exciting.
The debate was held in the middle ground format - a new style of debate for everyone. This made the debate very exciting. © Dany Schulthess
10 / 10

The aim of this year's symposium was to provide a platform for renowned experts to discuss the complex interplay between promoting green initiatives and implementing poverty reduction strategies in development cooperation. The speakers emphasized the inherent trade-offs associated with pursuing both climate protection and economic growth, and explored innovative approaches to reconciling these seemingly contradictory goals. Considering the inherent complexity of this task, the experts who took part in the symposium subsequently shared their insights and key-takeaways derived from debate in a series of interviews.

Key takeaways from our presenters and debaters

It became evident throughout the course of the debate that the objective of all debate participants was to establish mutually beneficial outcomes for both the environment and those who continue to live in poverty. Nevertheless, the establishment of an international system that serves the interests of both parties is a complex task that requires complex solutions. Thus, in light of the aforementioned considerations, the symposium and its debate yielded the following key-learnings.

What we learned:

  • Complex challenges ask for action – We can’t wait until we have figured out the best solution but need to act now – and monitor, learn more about contextual effects, and respond by bringing different actors together. We need to value the importance of combating climate change. The money is there, the allocation is not. It is a matter of priorities.
  • Multiple crises demand for immediate short-term action. We cannot wait. We are focused on quick solutions, but we also need to be able to think of self-determination, of creating enabling spaces. Practical measures include insisting on obtaining free and informed consent, conducting environmental due diligence, and fostering paradigm shifts.
  • Certain concepts don’t align with the reality of the extreme poor. For example, if someone lives in a rural area without electricity, the idea of an energy transition doesn’t make sense. There is no shift from one type of energy to another because they lack a starting point and have no options to begin with. This means we need different solutions for those who contribute most to CO2 emissions compared to those who do not.
  • There are no two separate crises - poverty and climate change - they are inherently intertwined and we - as civil society - should question the assumption that economic growth and trade will provide the solutions. What exactly contributes to wellbeing and for whom? We should question the focus on profit and shareholder value over the value of people and planet.

Want to learn more?

Download the resources below

Caritas Switzerland Symposium 2024 - Programme

Caritas Switzerland Symposium 2024 - Programme

Balancing Climate Protection with Poverty Reduction Interventions: Embracing Trade-Offs and Developing Win-Wins

Download (pdf, 341.43 KB)
Caritas Switzerland Symposium - Keynote Presentation

Caritas Switzerland Symposium - Keynote Presentation

Download (pdf, 1.49 MB)
Caritas Switzerland Symposium - Wrap-up Presentation

Caritas Switzerland Symposium - Wrap-up Presentation

Download (pdf, 785.25 KB)
Thematic Paper «Climate Proofing Approach - Accounting for Climate Risks and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions»

Thematic Paper «Climate Proofing Approach - Accounting for Climate Risks and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions»

Caritas Switzerland’s expertise

Download (pdf, 1.05 MB)
Flyer «Income - International Cooperation»

Flyer «Income - International Cooperation»

Combating the Core Problems of Poverty

Download (pdf, 416.91 KB)

Keynote and Debate Panelists

Anna Panagiotou, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability Program, Cynefin Co.

Anna Panagiotou, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability Program, Cynefin Co.

Till Kellerhoff, Program Director, the Club of Rome

Till Kellerhoff, Program Director, the Club of Rome

Winnie Cheche, Volunteer Communication Director, Kheri Environment Action Network

Winnie Cheche, Volunteer Communication Director, Kheri Environment Action Network

Evelyn Acham, Climate Activist, Agape Earth Coalition

Evelyn Acham, Climate Activist, Agape Earth Coalition

Khursheda Aknazarova, AF-GEF Project National Coordinator, UNESCO Tajikistan

Khursheda Aknazarova, AF-GEF Project National Coordinator, UNESCO Tajikistan

Marianna Leite, Global Advocacy and Development Policy Manager, ACT Alliance

Marianna Leite, Global Advocacy and Development Policy Manager, ACT Alliance

Luisa Fondello, Senior International Cooperation Officer, Caritas Europa

Luisa Fondello, Senior International Cooperation Officer, Caritas Europa

Wolfgang Rams, Co-Founder and CEO, Africa GreenTec AG

Wolfgang Rams, Co-Founder and CEO, Africa GreenTec AG

Opening and Closing Remarks

Peter Lack, Director, Caritas Switzerland

Peter Lack, Director, Caritas Switzerland

Martina Weber, Head of International Cooperation, Caritas Switzerland

Martina Weber, Head of International Cooperation, Caritas Switzerland

Moderator

Sophie Hersberger-Langloh

Sophie Hersberger-Langloh

Further information

Contact

Maciej Chmielewski, Senior Income and Livelihoods Advisor and Knowledge Manager, Caritas Switzerland

Maciej Chmielewski

Senior Income and Livelihoods Advisor and Knowledge Manager

Caritas SwitzerlandAdligenswilerstrasse 15
P.O. Box
CH-6002 Lucerne

+41 41 419 23 71mchmielewski@caritas.ch

Header image: Enhancing the resilience of their agroecosystem to climate change is crucial for farmers and vulnerable communities; Cambodia © Nicolas Honoré