The historic African climate summit talks are set to conclude on September 6, with leaders seeking a united voice on the global stage to showcase the continent's green growth potential if the world steps up its financing and debt assistance.
At the summit, its host William Ruto defended a speech focused on improving a clean energy transition in Africa, where populations are among the most vulnerable to climate change.
Rich polluters
A final statement from participants at the first African climate summit is expected to call on the international community to help he has achieve this goal by easing the continent's debt burden and reforming the global financial system to unlock investment – as well as demanding that wealthy polluters honor their climate finance pledges.
A success in Nairobi around a shared vision on Africa's green development would give momentum to several important international meetings ahead of COP28, first the G20 summit in India next weekend and the United Nations General Assembly this month, then in October the annual meeting of the World Council World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Marrakesh.
But finding consensus on a continent where 1.2 billion people live in 54 politically and economically diverse countries is not easy, with some governments pushing for a future centered on renewable energy, while others rely on their fossil fuel resources.
“Positive actor”
William Ruto said African leaders envision a “future in which Africa finally enters the picture as an economic and industrial power, an effective and positive actor on the world stage”. Kenyan president says Africa is well positioned to take advantage of the need to save on fuel fossils harmful, with a young population, a vast renewable potential and natural resources.
On September 5, the United Arab Emirates, which will host the next UN climate conference (COP28) at the end of the year, pledged $4.5 billion in investments in clean energy in Africa.
But the challenges are enormous on a continent where 500 million people do not have access to electricity. And African leaders continue to highlight the considerable financial obstacles. African countries are paralyzed by growing debt burdens and a lack of financing. Despite its potential in terms of natural resources, only 3% of energy investments in the world are made on the continent.
“We must ensure that climate finance is more available, affordable and accessible to all developing countries, including those in Africa,” said William Ruto, COP28 President Sultan Al-Jaber and head of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, in a joint meeting. declaration.
Globally, rich countries have yet to meet their commitment to provide $100 billion a year in climate finance to the world's poorest countries by 2020. more poor.
(With AFP)
