Kenya in partnership with the African Union will play host to 17 Heads of State who will fly into the country for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit to be held between September 4 and 8 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua confirmed that United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also attend the key event.
The top diplomat further pointed out that Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Environment from different African nations, along with high-ranking dignitaries, have also confirmed their participation.
“The diversity and breadth of participants is a clear testament that climate change is a universal challenge, which requires a collective and an all-inclusive approach to effectively address,” the CS remarked.
The Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary affirmed that during the meeting, the Heads of State will front an ambitious African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions.
According to the former Machakos Governor, the meeting will serve as a call to action for African countries to champion for implementation of the Declaration.
“The declaration seeks to launch a renewed ambition for Africa and invite partnerships with the rest of the world,” Mutua explained.
President William Ruto, and his fellow African leaders, envision using the summit to ensure Africa aligns with the global effort for Climate Action.
The 17 Heads of State will also exchange perspectives and thrash out common priorities for global discussions including the upcoming 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), COP28 and future meetings.
Ruto has consistently championed for implementation of measures to curb the negative effects of climate change in Africa.
His administration has reiterated its commitment towards achieving its goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, a strategic initiative aimed at achieving forest restoration and mitigating the far-reaching consequences of climate change.
Consistently, the President has advocated for developed nations to shoulder their responsibility in funding climate change initiatives within Africa, given the continent's disproportionate exposure to the repercussions of climate change.
As a result of the sustained push, Guterres has extended an invitation to President Ruto to present the outcomes of the Africa Climate Summit at the high-level Climate Ambition Summit scheduled for 20th September 2023 in New York.
