Today, President William Ruto of Kenya is set to embark on a crucial journey to Dubai for the 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28).
In a statement released by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, it was revealed that President Ruto will play a pivotal role in representing all African presidents at the global summit.
Aiming to echo the priorities outlined in the historic African Leaders Nairobi Declaration, which was adopted during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in September 2023, President Ruto is expected to address key issues crucial to the continent’s sustainable future.
“President William Ruto will depart today for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in the United Arab Emirates, advocating for Kenya and Africa’s climate agenda,” read the statement.
President Ruto, who addressed the COP 27 conference in Egypt last year, is set to emphasize Africa’s potential contributions to global climate action. His vision includes positioning Kenya and Africa as key hubs for green manufacturing, supporting the global decarbonization agenda.
Hussein Mohamed highlighted Ruto’s advocacy for comprehensive financial reforms during the conference. The president will stress the importance of aligning international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with Africa’s developmental context and climate goals.
Among the initiatives to be spearheaded by President Ruto at COP 28 is the launch of the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII). This initiative aims to implement the Nairobi Declaration, committing African leaders to a green and inclusive growth path. The AGII will focus on hyperscaling green businesses and industries in Africa while promoting climate change mitigation and adaptation, fostering substantial economic growth and job creation on the continent.
Additionally, President Ruto will advocate for a new framework on Climate Finance, presenting Africa’s perspective on international financial architecture reform. The objective is to ensure that financial mechanisms are in harmony with Africa’s developmental aspirations and climate objectives.
As part of his mission, President Ruto hopes to witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and investment deals that will bring significant investments to Kenya’s green manufacturing sector. This move aligns with his commitment, expressed during COP 27 in Egypt, to actively mitigate the impact of climate change in Kenya, Africa, and the world.
President William Ruto’s presence at COP 28 signifies Africa’s dedication to addressing climate change and positioning the continent as a key player in global efforts towards sustainable development. The outcomes of his advocacy and initiatives at the conference are anticipated to contribute significantly to shaping the future of climate action in Africa and beyond.
By Newsmedia