President Ruto: Climate action is not a burden but as a driver of economic growth for African communities

BY HAVILAH KARIRI

President William Ruto says the first African Climate Summit had introduced a bold new perspective of Africa as a continent of opportunity and a source of solution and not just a victim.

In his speech in, President Ruto thanked Ethiopia for its generosity for hosting the second Africa Climate Summit and for carrying forward the spirit of Nairobi having hosted the first Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi 2 years ago.

“In the first Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, we framed climate action not as a burden but as a driver of economic growth, transformation and job creation for African communities. Together we adopted climate growth as our development paradigm.”

The Head of State said that in doing so, the Nairobi declaration established Africa not only as a partner but also as a power in the emerging global order.

“Two years later, Africa has come a long way with its potential being recognized, its voice being heard and its solutions being deployed from green infrastructure and climate smart agriculture to landscape restoration, waste management and even cutting-edge technologies like direct air capture.”

He said: “The truth is undeniable; no nation can solve this crisis alone. Only through bold, united and sustained collaboration can we avert climate catastrophe. Isolation is not a winning strategy; it is coating failure.”

The Kenyan President urged members to remain steadfast in building a modern, green and inclusive industrial base in Africa to secure its rightful place in the global economy and to foster the solidarity needed to confront climate change.

He hinted that realizing the summit’s vision of climate growth requires action on two fronts; Africa must exercise its agency decisively, urgently and coherently.

“The international system must dismantle the structural barriers that continue to hold Africa back. Both demand deeper collaboration. Climate change journey also includes Africa’s global partners who must be held accountable not only to Africans but to the future of humanity.”

He concluded; “From this Addis Ababa home of humanity, our ancestors ventured into the world. Today from this same home, let us offer transformative solutions to preserve the human family. With innovation, determination and unity, Africa will drive global action and ship a sustainable prosperous future for us and for everybody.”

The Second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa is convened under the theme; Accelerating Global Climate Solutions, Financing for Africa’s resilient and Green Development that is set to go on for three days.

The meeting is meant to deliberate on issues of climate change and how to shape an African decade of delivery.

The Summit focuses on showcasing African climate solutions, mobilizing finance at scale and transforming human capital and innovation ecosystems into shared prosperity.

During his keynote remarks, the chair of the African union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf spoke on the African Union beliefs.

“The African Union firmly believes that climate finance must be fair, significant and predictable. Let us seize the opportunity to reaffirm Africa’s unequivocal position regarding Africa’s global obligation but still differentiating its responsibilities.”

 He noted; “The vulnerabilities on AU’s member countries coursed by climate change, debt burden and the structural inequalities of the international financial architecture should be readdressed through climate justice. We must have a genuine cooperation for the implementation of Africa’s adaptation plan by providing financial resources, technology and expertise.”