Aden Duale Highlights Africa’s Climate Ambitions at COP 29 Side Event
The summit, held alongside COP 29, reinforced the urgent call for global partners to meet their financial commitments to climate action.
Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry (Centre)
Kenya’s Environment Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, emphasized Africa’s deepening commitment to climate resilience at a high-level session during COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The summit, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Dr. Musalia W. Mudavadi, convened influential leaders, including H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo, and H.E. Josefa Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.
The discussions centered on the continent’s climate pledges, focusing on sustainable financing, the development of climate adaptation and resilience infrastructure, and fostering collaborative strategies for impactful change.
With Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, moderating, the session provided a platform for leaders to share insights and showcase ongoing projects aimed at combating the multifaceted impacts of climate change.
Duale underscored the necessity of building on past achievements to secure Africa’s environmental future, stating, “As Africa charts its path forward, it is imperative that we strengthen our investments in green infrastructure and reinforce global partnerships to enhance our adaptation and resilience capabilities. This is not just about Africa’s future—it is a critical component of global climate stability.”
Highlighting Kenya’s proactive role, Duale pointed to successful projects that have set benchmarks for sustainability across the continent.
He reiterated that collaborative frameworks involving regional and international stakeholders are vital for securing funding and technical support.
These initiatives, he said, are not just for mitigating climate risks but for spearheading economic growth through sustainable development.
The meeting was also attended by H.E. Wilber Otichilo, Chair of Kenya’s Council of Governors’ Environment Committee, who provided additional context on regional environmental challenges and the importance of intergovernmental cooperation.
The presence of such leaders underscored the continent-wide focus on aligning national goals with the broader objectives set by the African Union and global climate agendas.
The summit, held alongside COP 29, reinforced the urgent call for global partners to meet their financial commitments to climate action.
By spotlighting Africa’s proactive measures and detailing the support needed, the high-level session aimed to catalyze enhanced cooperation.
As the session concluded, it was clear that Africa’s voice in climate action is growing stronger.
Leaders like Duale and Mudavadi are championing a comprehensive approach—one that balances environmental stewardship with economic resilience and positions Africa as a pivotal partner in global climate efforts.
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