Africa climate summit adopts ‘Nairobi declaration’ as it concludes
The Africa Climate Summit 2023 concluded with a declaration statement from President William Ruto on behalf of all African heads of state regarding their position on climate change and the necessary actions.
Reiterating the continent’s charge regarding climate change, President Ruto called for a review of financial systems that have burdened Africa with debt and stunted economic development.
He emphasized the importance of addressing these financial obstacles to effectively combat the climate crisis.
Ruto requested that the international community implement debt relief interventions that will reduce Africa’s debt burden, thereby releasing the continent’s growth potential, development, and industrialization.
“We demand a fair playing ground for our countries to access the investment needed to unlock the potential and translate it into opportunities,” Ruto stated.
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“We further demand a just multilateral development finance architecture to liberate our economies from odious debt and onerous barriers to necessary financial resources,” he added.
President Ruto continued by stating that Africa had resolved to collaborate with the international community to address and mitigate the climate crisis, emphasizing the significance of collaboration.
The significance of youth in Africa’s development and future was also emphasized, with the head of state advocating for their direct participation in the green agenda.
“Our efforts to achieve prosperity will not succeed If there are no opportunities for the youth, and our journey will be long and hard and in vain if the youth are not coming with us.”
In addition, African leaders demanded access to technologies and innovations that will expand and promote Africa’s green industry.
In addition, they vowed to raise $23 billion (Ksh3.4 trillion) for green development mitigation and adaptation to address climate issues in Africa.
The declaration concluded with an ambitious plan to increase the continent’s renewable energy generation capacity from 56 GW in 2022 to at least 300 GW by 2030. This action is intended to alleviate energy deprivation on the continent and contribute to the global supply of renewable energy.
Africa climate summit adopts ‘Nairobi declaration’ as it concludes