William Ruto, the president of Kenya, and Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology and the COP28 president-elect, have emphasised the need of strengthening their cooperation at the next African Climate Action Summit and COP28.
In order to generate momentum before the 2023 Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, also known as COP28, which will take place later this year in Dubai, Kenya will organise Africa Climate Week in Nairobi from September 4 to 8.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the leaders emphasised the importance of such occasions because they provide the world community with a chance to decide on future pathways that concentrate on workable solutions to the climate challenge.
Both Leaders have called for continued action on the climate crisis, stating: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges confronting the world today. Both the African Climate Action Summit and COP28 will be critical milestones in the year of the Global Stock take for the international community to come together and provide a solutions-oriented path forward.”
Adding: “We [President Ruto and COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber] are determined to work hand in hand to ensure COP28 and the African Climate Action Summit will deliver real and tangible results for the climate and for the people of Africa and the world.”
The president of Kenya commended the UAE for its long history of success in promoting sustainable development and combating climate change. A few nations, including the Emirates, filed a revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in an effort to meet a 31% emissions reduction target before COP27.
“We will work together to facilitate the highest possible ambition across every climate pillar at Cop28,” said President Ruto.
Dr. Al Jaber emphasised the significance of the African Climate Action Summit as a turning point for the region and a significant step towards Cop28 that would hasten the energy transition and bring African solutions to the conference later this year.
“We are pleased to announce that Cop28 and Kenya will join forces to champion action towards the necessary tripling of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030,” Dr. Al Jaber said.
“We call on all parties, in every region, to join this effort and work together in order to mobilize a global movement of action.” He added.
Mr. Ruto and Dr. Al Jaber pledged to maintain strong political coordination in the next months “towards the delivery of a highly ambitious outcome in Nairobi and at Cop28 in Dubai.”
