Nairobi Hosts Global Climate Summit: African Leaders Discuss Green Growth and Investment
African leaders, global climate experts, and representatives from various sectors gathered at the event to discuss critical issues related to climate finance, renewable energy, etc.
Nairobi, Kenya - The African Climate Summit (ACS) kicked off on Wednesday in Nairobi, Kenya, with a focus on harnessing Africa's potential to combat climate change and promote green growth on the continent, writes Winston Mwale.
African leaders, global climate experts, and representatives from various sectors gathered at the event to discuss critical issues related to climate finance, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and more.
Ministerial Day Sets the Stage
The day began with "Plenary 1: Opening: The Power of the Potential" in the Tsavo room. During this session, African leaders highlighted Africa's potential in addressing climate challenges, emphasized the need for a fairer financial system, and discussed the road to COP28, the next major international climate conference.
The session was attended by H.E. William Ruto, President of Kenya, H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros, Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, and representatives of youth and indigenous communities.
Parallel sessions were also held on Ministerial Day, including "Scaling International Climate Finance for Africa" in the Tsavo room. This session focused on ways to scale up external climate finance funding for Africa, address barriers to funding, and create a supportive policy environment to attract green international investment.
Speakers included government officials from South Africa, Zambia, France, and Rwanda, as well as representatives from climate finance organizations.
Another parallel session, "Investment Opportunities for Food Systems Transformation in Africa," took place in the Aberdares room. This session highlighted the urgent need to transform sustainable food systems in Africa in response to climate change.
It featured keynote speaker Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, AU Special Envoy for Food Systems, and discussions among agriculture ministers from Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, and other experts.
In "Accelerating Climate Resilient Investments in Water" held in the Lenana room, experts discussed the role of water in Africa's socio-economic development and the pressing need for climate-resilient water investments.
Harnessing Renewable Energy and Carbon Markets
On September 4th, "Parallel 3a" discussed "Harnessing Africa's Renewable Energy Potential" in the Tsavo room. This session explored Africa's untapped renewable energy potential and strategies for enhancing electricity access and transitioning to clean energy sources. High-ranking officials and experts from various countries and organizations were part of this discussion.
"Parallel 3b" delved into "Carbon Markets in the Global South" in the Aberdares room. This session focused on Africa's expanding role in voluntary carbon markets, strategies to increase carbon credit supply, and frameworks for intergovernmental trading mechanisms.
Distinguished speakers from the public and private sectors, including John Kerry, the US Special Climate Envoy, were present.
Day 2 Highlights: Presidential Day and Major Announcements
The summit's second day, known as Presidential Day, featured high-level discussions and announcements. It began with "Plenary 1: Presidential Opening" in the Tsavo room, where African leaders, including H.E. William Ruto, President of Kenya, and H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros, along with international figures, set the tone for the day.
"Plenary 2: Setting the Stage: The Global Climate Agenda" provided an overview of the global climate agenda, featuring leaders from the European Commission, Egypt, and COP27 President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
"Plenary 3: Charting a Vision: Investment Opportunities for Green Growth" focused on forward-looking visions for green growth in Africa, highlighting key investment opportunities for sustainability and economic prosperity. Presidents and leaders from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, and other nations participated.
A significant announcement on carbon markets in Africa was made during "Plenary 4" in the Tsavo room, attended by several African presidents and high-profile figures.
"Plenary 5: New Global Climate Finance Architecture" addressed the progress of new financial architecture and reform proposals from Africa related to climate finance. African leaders and international financial institutions discussed the urgent need to scale climate finance.
Parallel Sessions on Day 2: Blue Economy, Adaptation, and More
On Presidential Day, "Parallel 6a" explored "Unlocking the Potential of a Regenerative Blue Economy in Africa and Beyond" in the Tsavo room. This session emphasized Africa's commitment to developing a regenerative blue economy, collaborations with international organizations, and the role of the private sector in coastal and ocean biodiversity conservation.
"Parallel 6b" discussed "Scaling Up Adaptation" in the Aberdares room. This session brought together African leaders and international experts to address the critical issue of adaptation to climate change, especially in vulnerable regions.
"Parallel 7a" focused on "Critical Minerals for Green Manufacturing" in the Tsavo room, highlighting Africa's role in supplying critical minerals essential for renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.
"Parallel 7b" delved into "Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience" in the Aberdares room, showcasing successful nature-based solutions from across Africa and their potential to combat climate change.
Looking Forward
The African Climate Summit will continue with further discussions, workshops, and announcements throughout the week, culminating in a closing ceremony on September 8th.
The summit provides a crucial platform for African leaders and global stakeholders to collaborate on climate action, sustainable development, and green growth on the continent.