NAIROBI, Aug 15 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presided over the opening session of a three-day Africa Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) preparation workshop for COP29 in Nairobi.
The workshop themed ‘Africa’s collective voice for climate action and development’, has brought together United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) National Focal Points and Negotiators from across Africa to consolidate the continent’s position ahead of COP29 set for November/December this year in Baku, Azerbaijan.
AGN currently chaired by Kenya’s Special Climate Envoy Amb. Ali Mohamed, is a pan-African team of experts representing the climate in international climate change negotiations based on a common and unified voice.
With Africa battling adverse impacts of climate change, Duale regretted the limited financial and technical capacities adding that it was time for Africa to rethink its priorities to shape the future of climate action through collaborations.
“African countries have seen major droughts and floods; storms and cyclones have intensified and become more frequent, while the financial and technical capacity of the continent to adapt to climate change and increasing climate and natural hazard continues to be limited,” he told participants.
“By 2050, negative climate impacts could cost African countries $50 billion annually. Our priority, therefore, is to increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production” he added.
He further called for a regional approach to tackle the crisis which he observed is increasingly becoming severe.
“Climate change is a challenge that knows no borders hence requires us to rethink our priorities, making a regional approach essential. Africa has already made considerable progress in integrating Climate Action into development priorities, supported by various strategies and actions” the CS noted
While acknowledging the commitment demonstrated by African leaders, the Cabinet Secretary seized the opportunity to root for the enhanced role of governments in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes, which includes establishing and strengthening the National Focal Points Forum.
“Moving forward, we envision the National Focal Point Forum becoming an annual event preceding the AMCEN meetings. For this vision to be realized, we must establish an institution that will support it for the long term” he said.
The meeting of experts is expected to come up with an African Position Paper for COP 29.
Issues of priority to be considered include climate finance which still is insufficient and unequal.
“Reform is needed to make finance available, affordable and accessible, especially to developing economies. Securing a strong favourable finance deal at COP 29 is therefore vital” Duale advised.
Secondly, the paper should also address innovative funding mechanisms including private-sector investments. The team will be expected to consider prioritising adaptation, loss, damage and secure the necessary financial and technical assistance to close the adaptation finance gap.
Lastly, the Africa Position Paper will prioritise the insufficient financial and technical support to effectively implement, track and report on current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“We lack clarity on the amount of current and future funding, capacity building and technical support required to implement our NDCs. This vagueness undermines the transparency of support framework under the Paris Agreement and should be prioritized in the upcoming negotiations” Duale said.
The Africa Position Paper will be presented to AMCEN and CAHOSCC next month for consideration and adoption. — NNN-KBC
