By Taban Gabriel
A two-day regional climate conference organized by the IGAD Climate Predictions Application Centre (ICPAC) commenced on Monday in Juba under the theme “Climate Services Frontline Climate Actions.” This event, known as the “Greater Horn of Africa Climate Forum,” is the first time it has been held in South Sudan and is the 67th occurrence regionally.
The conference features presentations and reports from ICPAC officials on the region’s recent impacts of climate change. The information presented highlighted both positive and negative effects of recent climate changes on humans and livestock in the greater Lakes region. In South Sudan, a rise in measles infections among children and school closures due to heat waves were noted as negative impacts. Conversely, reduced migration of livestock and people due to dry lands was reported as a positive impact.
Key speakers at the symposium praised ICPAC for its climate reporting and early warning signs. The Guest of Honor, the Minister of Roads and Bridges Simon Mijok Mijak, commended ICPAC for its dedication to providing weekly climate updates in the region. Minister Mijak identified the lack of infrastructure as the main challenge for climate early warning reporting in South Sudan and pledged the government’s commitment to establishing a Climate Service Center to address these challenges and improve information flow.
Additionally, the Minister of Water and Irrigation, Pal Mai, described the South Sudan Meteorological Society as the poorest and called for ICPAC’s support and interventions. Other notable speakers included the IGAD Head of Delegations in South Sudan, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director, and former Vice President of Sudan, Professor Moses Machar, who is recognized as the founder of the first Meteorological Association in Sudan.
All speakers urged the South Sudanese government to establish a robust Emergency Centre for early warning reporting