Driving green growth and finance solutions: four reflections on the Africa Climate Summit

I've just returned from an inspiring Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya — a first-of-its-kind convening for the African continent, held in advance of COP 28. From ambitious goals, innovative approaches and multi-stakeholder partnerships focused on driving climate action, I have four reflections gleaned from this unique week:

1. Unprecedented Participation: The Summit's remarkable attendance of over 20,000 participants, including 20 Heads of State and global leaders, showcased Africa's commitment to being a climate leader and articulating perspectives for Africa and the world. The global climate and energy transitions will not be achieved without active engagement of, and investment in, the African continent.
2. Financial Commitments: The Summit yielded substantial commitments, totalling $26 billion, for green growth and finance solutions. There was a strong call for investment in climate solutions, not aid or grants. These investment commitments are a crucial step towards implementing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies across the continent. But these commitments must be honoured.??

1. Nairobi Declaration:?Recognizing the nuances and differences in climate and energy vulnerability and opportunity across the continent, the Nairobi Declaration is a significant achievement serving as a common negotiating position for the African continent at #COP28.
2. Private Sector Engagement: No one sector can solve the climate crisis on its own, and the private sector has a critical role to play as a solution provider and a key actor. At the Africa Climate Summit, the United Nations Global Compact ’s Africa Business Leaders Coalition (#ABLC) organized several events aimed at assessing progress on climate action and galvanizing support for ambitious actions and continued mobilization of climate-forward companies.

I'm looking forward to the continuation of these important discussions on climate action during # UNGA78's high-level week here in New York.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues for their exceptional contributions, including Tolulope Lewis Tamoka , Hervé Lado, PhD , Fernando C. , Harold Kent Heredia , Beverly Akinyi , Maxime Kpangbai and many others. Special thanks also go to ABLC business leaders, my co-chairs James Mwangi and Phuthi M. , and also to Judy Njino and her dedicated team at Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK) for their invaluable contributions.

#UnitingBusiness #AfricaClimateSummit23 #ACS23