On September 26, 2026, the city of Kairouan, Tunisia, hosted a stop on the national caravan aimed at raising awareness about climate change and promoting resilience. The event, titled "Kairouan in the Face of Climate Change: Understanding Reality, Building Solutions," is part of the "Inclusive and Integrated Climate Action in Tunisian Municipalities" (ACICT) project. The caravan seeks to bring climate change issues closer to citizens and foster a direct dialogue about the impact of climate change on daily life.

According to Snim Ben Abdallah, a consultant at the International Center for Local Development and Good Governance (CILG), the caravan's goal is to initiate a conversation about climate change and its effects on daily life, as well as to introduce local solutions for adaptation. The event featured a discussion space in Bab al-Jelladine square, titled "Intersecting Views on Climate Change," followed by a creative space at the Kairouan Youth Center, where young people could express their thoughts on climate issues through various forms of art.

The caravan will continue its journey on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in the municipality of Al-Ula, where it will hold a meeting with residents to discuss their daily experiences and the climate challenges they face, as well as ways to adapt to them. This national tour aims to raise climate awareness, support citizen participation, and involve various groups, particularly young people, women, and vulnerable populations, in finding solutions to enhance local resilience to climate change.

The ACICT project, which supports this caravan, aims to promote integrated and inclusive climate action in Tunisian municipalities. By engaging citizens and local authorities in climate change discussions, the project seeks to build a more resilient and sustainable future for Tunisia. The caravan's activities are designed to encourage citizen participation and promote a sense of ownership among local communities.

The event in Kairouan featured a range of activities, including discussions, debates, and artistic expressions, all focused on climate change and its impacts. By using creative and interactive approaches, the caravan aims to engage a wider audience and raise awareness about climate change in a more effective and sustainable way.

Tunisia, like many other countries, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. The country's agricultural sector, which is a significant contributor to the economy, is particularly susceptible to climate-related shocks. Therefore, initiatives like the climate caravan are crucial in promoting awareness and building resilience.

The caravan's visit to Kairouan is part of a broader effort to promote climate awareness and action in Tunisia. By engaging citizens, local authorities, and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for the country. The caravan's activities will continue in other locations across Tunisia, promoting a national conversation about climate change and its impacts.

Key points

  • The climate caravan aims to raise awareness about climate change and promote resilience in Tunisian municipalities.
  • The initiative is part of the "Inclusive and Integrated Climate Action in Tunisian Municipalities" (ACICT) project.
  • The caravan will continue its journey across Tunisia, engaging citizens and local authorities in climate change discussions.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.