African Group of Negotiators Calls for Focus on Africa's Needs at COP28
The meeting aims to ensure that African perspectives and priorities are well-represented and respected at the upcoming COP28 conference.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates-The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has urged climate stakeholders to prioritise Africa's needs as preparations for the 28th session of the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) continue, writes Temwa Mhone.
COP28 is scheduled to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November 2023.
Speaking during a two-day Pre-COP28 Strategy Meeting organized by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) in Nairobi, Kenya, AGN Communication Specialist, Friday Phiri, stressed the importance of the key principle of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capacities (CBDR-RC).
Phiri emphasized the significance of the equity principle in safeguarding Africa's interests:
"I urge you to keep in mind our special circumstances as Africa and the need for us to be allowed policy space and support to achieve sustainable development. The equity principle is very important as it takes into consideration and safeguards our interests and unique circumstances as a continent that contributes just about four percent to global emissions and yet suffers the most."
George Wamukoya, AGNES team leader, highlighted the need for continuous engagement and consultation between scientists and negotiators to ensure that Africa's positions are well-informed:
"We believe these interactions between scientists and negotiators are key in ensuring that our positions are framed to succeed as they enable negotiators to effectively engage their counterparts with facts and ensure that Africa's voice is not just heard, but also respected and create the impact we all desire."
Festus Ng’eno, Kenya's Principal Secretary at the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of highlighting the impacts of climate change:
"We have to deliberate on how to handle climate related health issues, including malnutrition, hunger, and water access. These are growing concerns across the continent."
The Pre-COP28 Strategy Meeting brought together delegates from over 31 countries to reflect on the outcomes of SB58, update negotiators on emerging areas of interest, and discuss approaches for COP28.
The meeting aims to ensure that African perspectives and priorities are well-represented and respected at the upcoming COP28 conference.