Climate Summit: A chance for Africans to speak with one voice

When President William Ruto arrived at KICC for pre-climate summit in an electric car on September 3, 2023. [PCS]

Today, marks the beginning of actions at the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and the Africa Climate Week (ACW) in Nairobi. The two events come at a time when flooding, prolonged drought, conflict due to hunger, climate-induced mobility and extreme poverty worsened by poor governance are synonymous with parts of the continent.

The ACS offers a perfect forum for leaders to speak with one powerful voice at the COP28 in the UAE later this year and ensure actions. The "Nairobi Declaration" to be read at the end of the ACS on Wednesday should ensure clarity not just on commitment, but also action to ensure reparation of climate finances by the biggest emitters. The represented governments must ensure climate finances reach the most vulnerable communities.