President William Ruto will depart for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 30th of November 2023.
The COP 28 summit will happen in the United Arab Emirates where he is set to advocate for Kenya and Africa’s climate agenda.
“Since his inauguration on September 13, 2022, President Ruto has consistently emphasized the need for tangible climate action to confront the global existential crisis,” the statement from the office of the President noted.
Further, the statement said that at COP27 event held in November 2022, in Egypt, President Ruto shifted the African climate narrative from victimhood to opportunity, delivering an inspirational statement.
“Participating from November 30 to December 2, 2023, at COP 28 alongside 100 global leaders, President Ruto will emphasize transformative climate action urgently needed to correct the world’s current trajectory,” the statement further read.
Notably, President Ruto is the Chair of the Committee of Africa Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).
Therefore, he will deliver a statement on behalf of Africa, highlighting the continent’s priorities.
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Leveraging on COP 28 to Benefit African Region
Further, his statement will be building on the historic African Leaders Nairobi Declaration adopted at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi in September 2023.
Kenya and Africa possess vast natural resources, a growing workforce.
Additionally, the region has an untapped renewable energy potential, positioning it to contribute significantly to global climate action while pursuing sustainable development.
Therefore, President William Ruto aims to establish Kenya and Africa as key hubs for green manufacturing. This agenda supports the global decarbonization agenda.
“To achieve this vision, he advocates for comprehensive financial reforms, emphasizing the need to align international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with Africa’s developmental context and climate goals,” the statement noted.
President Ruto’s Efforts Against Climate Change at COP 28
At the COP 28 event, President Ruto is scheduled to spearhead key climate events, as he builds on the Nairobi Declaration’s call for effective partnerships.
Among the events scheduled include the launch of the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII).
The initiative is in collaboration between the COP28 Presidency (UAE), the Government of Kenya and other African States, with the goal of assisting African countries to develop significant green industries.
The green industries are envisioned to drive economic growth, job creation, and trade.
Further, AGII will implement the Nairobi Declaration, where African leaders committed to a green and inclusive growth path, harnessing the continent’s potential.
“The objective is to hyper-scale green businesses and industries in Africa, promoting climate change mitigation and adaptation, while fostering substantial economic growth and job creation on the continent,” the statement revealed.
Notably, the event will also feature the USD 4.5 billion Africa Green Investment initiative led by the UAE, designed to catalyze a transformative cycle of change through investments in green opportunities on the continent.
Other Events that President Ruto is Set to Attend
Additionally, another appearance by President Ruto will be at the New Framework on Climate Finance. The framework draws on G20 outcomes, the Bridgetown Initiative, the Paris Summit for a New Financial Pact, and the Nairobi Declaration.
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Of note, COP28 is expected to establish a new climate finance framework.
President Ruto will present Africa’s perspective on international financial architecture reform.
Finally, President Ruto is expected to witness the signing of Memoranda of Association (MOUs) and investment deals for significant investments in Kenya’s green manufacturing.
This is envisioned to showcase Kenya’s potential as a green powerhouse in Africa.
Taking full advantage of COP 28, President Ruto aims to enhance collaboration, share best practices, and advance Africa and Kenya’s priorities on the global climate agenda.
