By Hameed Muritala
From 4 to 6 of September, 2023, heads of state, government officials, climate activists, private sector, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders from within and outside Africa will gather in Nairobi, Kenya for the maiden Africa Climate Summit, ACS and the annual Africa Climate Week.
The events are to be co-hosted by the government of Kenya, the African Union Commission, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Themed ‘Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,’ the summit will address the pressing challenges posed by climate change in Africa and foster collaboration for a sustainable future.
A statement released by the organisers disclosed that Africa would through the ACS, seek to consolidate global climate action around climate financing and climate positive development, solidify her standpoint on climate change going forward, and use the Summit to showcase her immense climate action potential and attract new partnerships in green growth, especially in niche sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and critical minerals among others.
“We are deeply honored as Kenya to have been picked by the African Union and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to host both the first-ever Africa Climate Summit and the 2023 annual Africa Climate Week. We acknowledge the huge task entrusted to us and assure our co-hosts, the African Union Commission and UNFCCC, and the entire world of a successful twin event from September 4th to 8th here in Nairobi.
“As Kenyans, we have a strong legacy of catalyzing global climate action and are glad that we are shepherded through the organisation of the Africa Climate Summit and the Africa Climate Week by our President, H.E Dr William Ruto, who is also the current Chairperson of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC),” Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Soipan Tuya said.
She added: “The Africa Climate Summit provides a platform for the African continent to consolidate its climate action potential and standpoint, take lessons from the rest of the world and collectively shape climate finance solutions that empower the continent and inspire the world. Kenya will play its part in ensuring that the objectives of the Africa Climate Summit as established by the African Union are met.”
“The summit will provide a platform for policymakers and private sector players to discuss and develop climate finance solutions for African economies,” said Mr Joseph Ng’ang’a, Africa Climate Summit CEO.
“As LMIC countries, we are committed to pursuing a holistic approach that intertwines economic growth, climate action, global cooperation, and inclusive development. We embrace a Green Growth Agenda, taking a global cost curve view, securing advance purchase commitments, accelerating investment for resilience, and ensuring just transitions. We are playing our part to solve the global crisis and forge a sustainable future for all,” Ng’ang’a added.
