President William Ruto is set to depart today for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to advocate for Kenya and Africa’s climate priorities, emphasizing “the need for tangible climate action to confront the global existential crisis.”
“Participating from November 30 to December 2, 2023, at COP 28 alongside 100 global leaders, President Ruto will emphasize transformative climate action urgently needed to correct the world’s current trajectory,” said State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.
As chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, Ruto will deliver a statementhighlighting Africa’s priorities and building on the African Leaders Nairobi Declaration adopted in September 2023.
“Kenya and Africa possess vast natural resources, a growing workforce, and untapped renewable energy potential, positioning them to contribute significantly to global climate action while pursuing sustainable development,” Mohamed said.
Ruto aims to establish Kenya and Africa as key manufacturing hubs supporting global decarbonization. To achieve this, he advocates realigning international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF with Africa’s developmental and climate goals.
At COP28, Ruto will spearhead launching the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative, a collaboration assisting African countries in developing “significant green industries to drive economic growth, job creation and trade,” Mohamed said.
The initiative implements the Nairobi Declaration’s commitment to a green, inclusive growth path harnessing Africa’s potential. Its goal is “hyper-scaling green businesses and industries in Africa,” promoting climate mitigation and adaptation alongside economic growth and job creation, he said.
The UAE will also unveil a $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment initiative at COP28 to catalyze investments in green opportunities on the continent.
Ruto will also present recommendations for a new climate finance framework, drawing on outcomes from the G20, Bridgetown Initiative, Paris Summit and Nairobi Declaration.
“COP28 is expected to establish a new climate finance framework. President Ruto will present Africa’s perspective on international financial architecture reform,” Mohamed said.
Ruto aims to use COP 28 to enhance collaboration, share best practices and advance African and Kenyan climate priorities globally.
