Closure of the 2nd Congo Basin CSOs Conference: The Kinshasa Declaration Establishes a Regional Front for Climate Justice and Forest Protection
Kinshasa, 4 November 2025 — The second edition of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Conference of the Congo Basin concluded on 31 October in Kinshasa, marking a strong moment of unity and shared purpose through the adoption of the Kinshasa Declaration. This significant declaration outlines a foundation for fair, inclusive, and transparent climate governance across the Congo Basin.
Over 30 representatives from civil society organisations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, traditional authorities, experts, and public institutions from five Congo Basin nations—Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Central African Republic—joined forces at the event.
A Collective Call for Climate Justice
The conference, themed “From Dialogue to Action: Building a United Regional Front for the Climate, Forests, and Peoples of the Congo Basin,” revitalized the initiatives launched during the 2024 Yaoundé Conference. Participants shared a unified message ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, urging global collaboration for meaningful climate action.
Participants warned of the severe threats facing the region: rampant deforestation, ongoing inequities in accessing climate finance, exclusion of Indigenous Peoples, and the uncontrolled expansion of extractive industries that endanger ecosystems and local livelihoods.
The Kinshasa Declaration’s Vision
The newly adopted Kinshasa Declaration sets a shared direction for regional cooperation, calling for transparent climate governance, equitable access to financial support, and stronger protection of forest ecosystems vital to both the Congo Basin and the planet.
Author’s Summary
The Kinshasa Declaration unites diverse voices from the Congo Basin, laying the groundwork for equitable climate action and regional solidarity ahead of global talks.