Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is set to inaugurate a Climate Diplomacy Network to address the climate crisis through state-private sector engagement.
In a statement, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei underscored the need to collaborate with the private sector actors.
According to Dr. Sing’Oei the private sector is a key player in the process of seeking solutions to the climate crisis.
He said the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is committed to ensure that the Kenyan and African private sector has its rightful place at the table.
“As part of our Foreign Policy, we intend to pursue Climate Diplomacy and Economic Diplomacy alongside other pillars.
In this regard, our intention is to institutionalize policy dialogues such as this one with the private sector, civil society organisations and other stakeholders so that the climate ambition that we are pursuing is shared,” stated Dr. Sing’Oei.
Further, the government will facilitate dialogues between local and continental private sector and local communities to de-risk foreign and local investment.
The PS made the remarks during the Private Sector Pre-COP 28 Forum at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
Noteworthy, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance KEPSA convened the High-Level summit in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and MFA.
Positioning Africa
Dr. Sing’Oei spoke about Positioning Africa and the Private Sector at the centre of Climate Change and Green Growth.
He acknowledged the private sector as an important stakeholder in the pursuit of Africa’s economic growth aspirations.
“The private sector should not have to choose between business and climate action.
It is indeed possible for businesses to pursue profit in a manner that protects our planet. Business and climate action are not mutually exclusive.
In fact, they are mutually-reinforcing. This is the new vision of climate-positive growth that President William Ruto has been championing,” the PS explained.
Also Read: President Ruto Urges All Nations to Work Together to Curb Climate Change
On her part, KEPSA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Kariuki called for all private sectors to practice identification, mitigation, reporting and enclosure of climate-integrated risks, and enable an understanding of green financing.
Climate Action: Africa’s Potential
Similarly, the PS outlined how Climate action presents a unique opportunity for Africa to achieve unprecedented economic growth.
“Africa is home to 40% of the global renewable energy resources. Africa’s forests represent some of the world’s largest carbon sinks.
Most of the critical minerals that will drive green industrialization such as cobalt, nickel, lithium and others are found in Africa.
In other words, most of the ingredients that will drive the global climate ambition are present in Africa,” he elaborated.
COP 28
The United Arab Emirates – UAE is the host of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP 28 from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
COP stands for “Conference of the Parties”, and the “parties” are the nations of the world that signed up to the original UN climate agreement in 1992.
Delegates at the COP 28 will focus on fast-tracking the move to clean energy sources, to slash greenhouse gas emissions before 2030.
In addition, COP 28 is happening months after Kenya hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit.
Also Read: Ruto Praises Kenya’s Achievements at Africa Climate Summit
During the summit, African Heads of State and Government adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.
“We commit to double our diplomatic engagement, under the leadership of President William Ruto, so that our regional, continental and global financial and other multilateral institutions are re-configured to become fit for the purpose of climate-positive growth,” Dr. Sing’Oei concluded his remarks.
