Grace Ashiru
The Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and the Annual Africa Climate Week 2023, two significant events co-hosted by the Republic of Kenya, are set to occur from 4 to 6 September in Nairobi, Kenya.
The ACS will bring together Heads of State and Government, policymakers, civil society groups, the private sector, multilateral institutions, and youth delegates from across Africa and other parts of the world.
These stakeholders will gather to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change and cultivate partnerships toward a sustainable future.
Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions
This year’s Summit carries the theme: ‘Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World.’ Through ACS, Africa intends to unify global climate action around climate financing and climate-positive development.
The Summit also seeks to strengthen Africa’s position on climate change for the future and utilize the Summit as a platform to demonstrate the continent’s vast potential for climate action. The primary objective is to draw fresh alliances within green growth and specialized industries like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, essential minerals, and more.
Kenya Catalyzes Global Climate Action
Hon Soipan Tuya, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, feels privileged to have been chosen by the African Union and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to host both events.
He states, “As Kenyans, we take pride in our strong tradition of spurring global climate action and are pleased to be guided in the organization of the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week by our President, H.E Dr. William Ruto, who is also currently presiding as the Chairperson of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).”
Moreover, she added that the Summit would serve as a stage for the African continent to solidify its climate action potential and position, learn from global experiences, and collaboratively mold climate finance solutions that empower the continent and inspire the world.
Consequences of Inaction
As per the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, global temperatures have increased by about 1 degree Celsius since 1900.
The repercussions of inaction are grave, resulting in severe impacts on ecosystems, public health, and global economies. This underscores that climate change is among the most critical global issues.
The Role of the Youth in Shaping Africa’s Collective Future
Recognizing the pivotal role of the youth in forging Africa’s shared future, the Summit will strongly highlight the voices of the younger generation. Furthermore, it seeks to transcend the dated North versus South discourse by accentuating the interconnectedness of global issues and the significance of collective responsibility.
The agenda includes topics like:
1 Reimagining Climate Finance, Trade, and Investment for the Global South
2 Capitalizing on Investment Opportunities for Food Sovereignty in Africa
3 Speeding Up Climate Resilient Water Investments in Africa
In general, attendees can anticipate engaging in discussions, knowledge exchange, and chances to present climate action initiatives and best practices. The registration process is currently underway.
