The President-Designate of COP28 UAE, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, graced the Africa Energy Forum, aef2023, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. Sultan, who is also the UAE Minister for Industry and Cooperatives held talks with Kenyan Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
The discussions centred around securing affordable, accessible, and sufficient climate change financing for African nations.
According to the two, Africa has the capacity to become a central hub for renewable energy and play a crucial role in promoting green growth.
CS Chirchir urged Dr. Sultan to champion political support in order to actualize this vision. Dr. Sultan acknowledged the immense potential of Africa as a powerhouse of clean energy.
Furthermore, he emphasised the need for political goodwill, visionary ambition, and sufficient, accessible, and affordable capital to develop this potential.
Kenya’s Commitment
Kenya’s President William Ruto also had talks with the UAE minister.
President Ruto affirmed his government’s commitment to work with the UAE towards addressing climate change.
“Kenya will work with the UAE on a just energy transition, unlocking climate finance and accelerating green growth in Africa in the lead up to the respective summits for a win-win formula for all,” President Ruto said.
Moreover, he noted that there were similar events ahead, which would realise solutions for both Kenya and the international community.
“Climate change is the greatest challenge confronting the world today. The Global Financing Pact later this week in Paris, the African Climate Action Summit in Nairobi (September) and COP28 in Dubai (December) will be critical milestones for the international community to charter a solutions oriented path,” he concluded.
The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will convene from 30 November to 12 December in (UAE).