Ruto urges African nations to tackle climate change together
National
By
David Njaaga
| Jun 11, 2023
President William Ruto has called on African nations to embrace the global energy transition as a crucial step in addressing the world's climate challenges.
Ruto spoke in Djibouti on Sunday, June 11, 2023, when he addressed the country's National Assembly where he emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions, stating that they have the potential to propel the continent to the forefront of a new industrial revolution.
He left the country for Djibouti on Saturday to participate in the 14th Ordinary Assembly of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State and Government.
Ruto is expected to engage in bilateral talks with Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh.
"Climate change has placed the entire world on 'a path to hell'," Ruto said.
He further highlighted Africa's role in combating the climate crisis, citing diversified sources of green energy, vast carbon sinks, critical clean energy minerals, abundant natural resources, and a young population.
Ruto called on African Parliamentarians to champion the implementation of appropriate institutions that effectively address the challenges of our time.
He stressed the need to deepen democracy, enhance accountability, increase inclusion, strengthen the rule of law, and expand freedom, while cautioning against the counterproductive path of repression and autocracy.
Ruto also emphasized the importance of resisting and condemning unconstitutional changes of government while holding the unjust global financial system and its prejudicial biases and attitudes responsible, not only for Africa's benefit but also to prevent the collective peril faced by humanity.
"It is clear now that the climate crisis will be brought under control once the global financial and governance frameworks facilitate Africa to emerge as the champion of a green industrial revolution. To get there, we have to deepen African unity, sustain and intensify our collaboration, and speak in one firm and clear voice," he stated.
President Ruto further highlighted the urgent need for reforms within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), asserting that its current structure hampers individual and collective endeavors to overcome persistent challenges such as climate change, peace, and security.
He criticized the undemocratic, unrepresentative, opaque, and unaccountable nature of the UNSC, where only five countries hold significant power, with none of them being African.
Ruto pointed out that this situation prevents effective responses to the pressing peace and security needs of conflict-affected regions, particularly the Global South, which represents more than half of the world's population.
He commended Djibouti for its growing geostrategic significance in the face of advancing globalization and escalating geopolitical complexity, acknowledging the country's progress in mobilizing effective consensus among IGAD member states on regional environmental, peace, and security issues.