East Africa Community leaders during a high Level Forum on Climate Change and Food Security on Thursday, November 23 in Arusha, agreed to champion climate action.
The high level forum was attended by President William Ruto (Kenya), Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), President Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi) and President Salva Kirr (South Sudan)
The leaders agreed on innovative and sustainable climate action measures. They also underscored ways to devise and mitigate the effects of climate change.
East African Community will assume the measures during the Summit as it heads to Dubai for COP28.
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COP 28
COP 28 is the28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC. The event will convene from 30 November to 12 December 2023. It will take place in the United Arab Emirates.
Kenya’s President William Ruto during the meeting indicated that Africa will showcase its assets. The assets will include hardworking and skilled human capital, immense renewable energy reserves. Additionally it will also include the largest swathes of uncultivated arable land.
“If there is one thing we should achieve at COP28 is climate financing through climate investment,” President Ruto stated.
At the same time, he pointed out the resources that will offer the globe the best opportunity for global green industrialization. This will help improve the ability to decarbonise manufacturing.
African leaders will head to Dubai with one focus. The main focus will simply be on ensuring that promises made at previous COPs are fulfilled.
Of note, Some African leader’s and regional blocks have already taken a stance on the impending COP28.
For Instance, Kenya’s President has called on Africa to sign a new charter on financing. The charter is intended to reform the current international financial system, which is not suited to the climate change era.
“The new charter should be on new ways of financing that is climate sensitive and supports positive growth,” he said.
East Africa and Africa are currently building a global coalition. The coalition intention is to give the world the necessary new dawn. The dawn will aid in mitigating the effects of climate change.
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About East Africa Community
Founded in 1999, the East African Community (EAC) serves like a regional intergovernmental organization.
The EAC works under the guidelines of its Treaty (2000) which established the Community
The EAC comprises of seven Partner States. They include Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Leaders of the Partner States typically Heads of State or Government give general directions. More over, they also give impetus to the development and achievement of Community objectives.
Consequently, the Summit is the apex EAC Organ. The organ handles crucial matters of the community.
The Summit comprises a meeting of Heads of State or Government of EAC Partner States. They hold the meeting every year.
During this Summit, Countries set key priorities at the highest, regional political level. The summit further, discuss business submitted to it by the Council of Ministers.
Likewise, the Community admits members under the criteria spelt out in Article 3 of the EAC Treaty.