President Ruto opens Africa climate summit, calls for action
President Ruto outlined several key themes, including food security, renewable energy, and green industrialization, as focal points for action.
Nairobi, Kenya — President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, delivered a compelling opening address at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit Ministerial Conference held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi today, writes Winston Mwale.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of international delegates, President Ruto extended a warm welcome to all attendees and emphasized the significance of the conference, highlighting Nairobi's unique position as a global leader in environmental stewardship.
The President set the tone for a forward-looking summit, emphasizing that it was not merely an ordinary conference but an opportunity to unite, envision, and build a prosperous, sustainable future for Africa and the world.
In his address, President Ruto acknowledged the urgency of addressing climate change's disproportionate impact on Africa, despite the continent's relatively small carbon footprint.
He stressed the need to bridge the gap between economic development and environmental stewardship, emphasizing that they should reinforce each other rather than being seen as opposing forces.
The President urged delegates to adopt an "opportunity lens" when discussing complex climate-related issues, highlighting the potential for green growth and economic opportunities in Africa.
He emphasized Africa's youthful and skilled workforce, abundant renewable energy potential, and its role in contributing to global decarbonization.
President Ruto outlined several key themes, including food security, renewable energy, and green industrialization, as focal points for action.
He highlighted the importance of adopting restorative agriculture practises, expanding natural carbon sinks, and harnessing Africa's renewable energy resources to drive sustainable development and job creation while reducing carbon emissions.
Furthermore, President Ruto underscored the potential for Africa to become a global hub in the green industrial supply chain, emphasising the continent's role in refining metals and minerals for the global energy transition.
He urged investors to invest in value-added activities and local businesses in order to maximise economic value and contribute to global economic stability.
Throughout his address, President Ruto stressed the importance of collaboration, clear policies, and targeted investments to realize Africa's climate-positive potential.
He called on delegates to work together, converge their efforts on African priorities, and commit to a Nairobi Declaration on a Green Growth and Climate Finance Agenda.
In closing, President Ruto declared the Africa Climate Summit a moment to imagine a bold and affirmative African future, envisioning a continent that shapes a climate-proof future for all.
He encouraged attendees to focus on possibilities and commit to concrete actions that would propel Africa's economy while contributing to global decarbonization efforts.
The Africa Climate Summit is set to continue over the next three days, with leaders, experts, investors, and industry captains convening to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, and scale up climate solutions for Africa and the world.
SOME QUOTES FROM THE EVENT
