By Sheminah Nkhoma
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing international instruments on climate change, with Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Owen Chomanika saying Malawi is taking concrete steps to address environmental degradation and climate-induced displacement.
Chomanika made the remarks on Wednesday in Lilongwe during the National Planning Workshop for the Implementation of the Kampala Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change (KDMECC), which outlines strategies to address the impacts of climate change on human mobility.
“The implementation of the Kampala Declaration and addressing human mobility are crucial for our climate change adaptation and resilience efforts,” said Chomanika.
He said the Declaration presents an opportunity for the country to tackle cross-cutting issues within the ministry’s mandate, adding that Malawi remains committed to global efforts that enhance climate resilience, environmental protection and sustainable development.Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Jeremiah Joshua said KDMECC gives Malawi a clear pathway to tackle migration, environmental degradation and climate challenges in an integrated manner.
“The impacts of climate change are a lived reality and Malawi has experienced five major flood events between 2020 and 2025, displacing over one million people and affecting 4.5 million,” said Joshua.
He noted that Malawi has shown strong leadership in climate related discussions at the global level, including its current role as Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group.
Chomanika also noted that implementing KDMECC aligns well with Malawi’s broader efforts under international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Basel Convention.
He said Malawi’s participation in these instruments is part of a national strategy to promote sustainable environmental governance while strengthening the country’s resilience to climate shocks.The workshop brought together stakeholders from government ministries, development partners, civil society, and academia to develop an action plan for rolling out the Kampala Declaration in Malawi.
KDMECC, adopted by African countries in 2022, recognizes the growing intersection between migration and climate change, and calls for coordinated responses to reduce vulnerability and strengthen adaptation strategies across the continent.
Malawi is among the African Union member states that have signed the Declaration and is now moving towards practical implementation.
