Experts and analysts have urged Africa to forge a common position and make an assertive case for a just transition that supports the continent’s efforts to deal with climate emergency.
The advice was issued at the recently held virtual seminar to facilitate effective dialogues on COP 27, ahead of the next Conference of the Parties in Egypt (COP 27), dubbed Africa’s COP.
According to them, the event was an opportunity to make the rest of the world to fully address Africa’s concerns and back up previous and future commitments with actual action.
The keynote address at the seminar was delivered by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission, Josefa Sacko.
She stressed that Africa faces several existential threats, including climate change, the impact of Covid-19 and conflict in Europe, which have placed millions of people at risk of hunger and poverty.
“Africa must speak with a single voice in shaping how the world responds to the challenge of climate change. There has to be a focus on efforts to forge a common position before the conference,” Sacko said.
She tasked African nations and institutions to demand accountability at COP27 and devise mechanisms to ensure that long-standing promises made to the continent are delivered.
“Since the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, there has been little done to increase funding for climate action in Africa, contrary to what was promised in the run-up to the agreement,” she pointed out.
Her address was followed by a discussion with the UN Climate Change High Level Champion for Egypt, Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin; and the Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate at the African Development Bank, Dr. Kevin Kariuki.
It was moderated by UN Assistant Secretary General and Director General of the African Risk Capacity Group, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong.
