Kenya has lost a bid to host the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board, a United Nations’ (UN) climate and action fund. Philippines beat Kenya and 6 other countries after being selected to host the LDF Board during a second meeting of the board in Songdo, South Korea.
“On 9 July 2024, at the second meeting of the Board of the Fund for responding to loss and damage, the Board decided to select the Philippines as the host country of the Board of the Fund,” announced the UN.
Kenya was in the running to host the fund alongside Armenia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Eswatini and Togo.
Established through a decision of the Parties to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, the Fund aims to assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
The fund is expected to compensate for the loss and damage needs of developing countries resulting from the destruction of climate by developed countries.
UN’s Loss and Damage Fund Board
This is through responding to economic and non-economic loss and damage associated with climate change, including extreme weather and slow-onset events.
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The LDF Board is the Fund’s decision-making body responsible for setting the Fund’s strategic direction, operations, and work program.
It comprises 26 members from Parties to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, with 12 members from developed countries and 14 from developing countries.
The loss and damages incurred by developing countries as a result of climate change according to research conducted by international organisations, is estimated to be at $400 billion (Ksh51.3 trillion) a year.
However, the fund is set to compensate the developing nations to the tune of $100 billion (Ksh12.8 trillion).
Media reports from Philippine News Agencies have indicated that national pledges for the fund are estimated to be at $700 million (Ksh89.6 billion).
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The Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines welcomed the selection as a host of the LDF Board saying that the decision shows the country’s transformative climate action.
“It demonstrates stakeholder confidence in the country’s commitment to constructively contribute towards global efforts to address climate change.
As a nation that constantly faces climate-related disasters, the Philippines has championed and advocated the urgent establishment of robust mechanisms to prevent and reduce losses and damages,” said CCC in a statement.
Ruto puts Kenya on International Stage in Climate Action
This loss of the bid is a huge blow for President William Ruto who has been vocal in the international stage pushing for collective climate action.
President back in February 2024 called for collective climate action expressing concerns over the escalating adverse impacts of climate change, which pose significant threats to humanity.
He said despite increased awareness and efforts, global greenhouse gas emissions are still on the rise.
The Head of State made the remarks during the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, UNEA-6, at Gigiri in Nairobi, saying that UN Member States must work together to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
At the same time, President Ruto urged the global community to support Africa’s position that the Secretariat of the Treaty be headquartered at UNEP.
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