Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto convened a meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) in New York on the evening of September 19, 2023, during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. The meeting focused on developing a unified African position in advance of the upcoming COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, as well as laying the groundwork for COP32, scheduled to be hosted by Ethiopia in 2027.
Advancing Africa’s Climate Agenda
During the meeting, President Ruto emphasized the need for Africa’s climate agenda to shift from mere commitments to implementation. He called for an increased focus on crucial aspects such as climate finance, adaptation efforts, resilience-building, renewable energy, clean cooking, and climate-positive growth. He pointed out the necessity of bridging the gap between global climate pledges and actual delivery.
The President underlined the importance of turning commitments related to adaptation finance into actionable plans, asserting that Africa’s development objectives are intrinsically linked to its climate priorities. He advocated for mobilizing investments to tap into Africa’s extensive potential in areas such as renewable energy, green industrialization, sustainable infrastructure, and resilient economies.
Ruto reaffirmed the significance of the Nairobi and Addis Ababa Climate Declarations, advocating for climate action to be viewed as an opportunity for investment and sustainable development. He called for a coordinated African voice at COP31, with a clear trajectory towards adapting and implementing strategies for COP32 that emphasize noteworthy investments and climate-positive growth.
Additionally, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, remarked on Africa’s disproportionate burden regarding climate change impacts, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. He emphasized that Africa’s climate initiatives must be rooted in equity, climate justice, and the principle of differentiated responsibilities.
Youssouf highlighted the continent’s priorities leading up to COP31, including enhanced adaptation finance, effective loss and damage support, access to technology, capacity building, and just transition arrangements that facilitate affordable energy access and job creation for youth and women in Africa.
Furthermore, the Chairperson pointed out ongoing practical actions being undertaken by AU Member States, such as developments in regional power integration, renewable energy, and climate-resilient agriculture. He stressed the importance of ensuring that ambition is matched by a reliable implementation framework, including accessible climate finance that doesn’t worsen Africa’s debt challenges.
Looking forward to COP32 in Ethiopia, Youssouf reiterated the AU’s commitment to collaborating with Ethiopia and partners to promote a cohesive African agenda, ensuring that the continent’s needs and solutions are integral to global climate strategies.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, also attended, expressing the UN Climate Change Secretariat’s readiness to support African nations in addressing their priorities at both COP31 and COP32. He emphasized the critical role of sustained African coordination and coalition-building in turning climate commitments into tangible outcomes.
As COP31 approaches, the African continent’s call for strengthened pathways from commitments to action underscores a critical moment for global climate negotiations.
Why It Matters: The outcomes of COP31 and COP32 will significantly influence global climate strategies, especially concerning Africa’s role in climate action. The integration of African priorities and experiences is essential for effective solutions that address the continent’s unique challenges associated with climate change.
