Kenya Set To Host The Inaugural Africa Climate Summit

The ACS23 is geared towards Global Climate Action

The Government of Kenya (GoK) in collaboration with the African Union (AU) is finalising preparations for the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) 2023 which is set to be held in the spectacular Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) located at the heart of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, from 4th September 2023 up to 6th September 2023. The Africa Climate Week (ACW)which will happen side by side with the ACS23 will extend until 8th September 2023.

In what is expected to be a flagship event to jumpstart Africa’s shared vision of taking its place as a key player in the realisation of the global Paris Agreement goal whose ambition is to ensure global per capita carbon emissions decrease to and remain below two degrees above pre-industrial levels, and if possible, a maximum of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, by mainly showcasing it’s potential for green energy production.

Kenya’s President H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto, who is credited for championing ACS23, asserts the need for countries in Africa to come together for deliberations on the global problem of climate change in order to speak with one voice during global conventions for Climate Action.

“Climate action is not a Global North issue or a Global South issue. It is our collective challenge, and it affects all of us. We need to come together to find common, global solutions.” asserts H.E President William Samoei Ruto

Among the 30,000 delegates expected to attend next week’s Summit are more than 20 heads of states according to Kenya’s Cabinet, which in recent days held a meeting led by H.E President Ruto in the Kakamega State Lodge.

“The Summit will be graced by over two dozen Heads of State and Government, high-level representatives of development partners and international institutions, as well as subject experts,” a statement by the cabinet meeting read in part.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen are among high-profile officials of International and Global bodies expected to grace ACS23.

Organisations that have partnered with ACS23 include; African Development Bank, Federal Government of Germany through relevant ministries, Government of Denmark, UNFCCC- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Republique Francaise- Government of France, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IOM- International Organization for Migration, European Union, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation.

According to the event’s official website https://africaclimatesummit.org/ , financing for climate action will take centre stage during the 3 day Summit in KICC, amid calls for Global Taxes and Funding Mechanisms.

“The inaugural Africa Climate Summit, championed by HE President Ruto, aims to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa. With the expectation of escalating climate crises in terms of frequency and intensity, urgent action is required to mitigate these challenges.
The Summit will serve as a platform to inform, frame, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of the Nairobi Declaration.” reads in part the ACS23 Overview on it’s official Website.

At the tail end of this noble pursuit is a document awaiting to be signed to officially engrave the agreements and way forward into every African government’s climate action policy and procedures, the document dubbed “The Nairobi Declaration” will signify Africa’s singular voice and direction in fighting for the well-being of Planet Earth through Climate Action.