Kenyan President, Mr. William Ruto, has delivered a passionate call to action to his fellow African leaders, urging them to make the welfare of their citizens, particularly those residing in rural areas, a top priority in the face of the escalating climate change crisis.
Ruto emphasized that individuals living in rural areas, especially those without access to adequate development resources, including the physically disabled, are the most vulnerable and adversely impacted by climate change. He stressed the urgent need for their well-being to be given precedence on the continent’s agenda.
Addressing participants on the third and final day of the Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, Ruto also appealed to leaders to place a special focus on the youth in their collective efforts to combat climate crises. Recognizing the pivotal role that young people play in shaping the future, he underscored the importance of including their voices and aspirations in climate resilience initiatives.
Later in the day, President Ruto is expected to officiate the launch of the Nairobi Declaration, which will encompass key resolutions and commitments derived from the three-day inaugural Africa Climate Summit. This declaration is poised to serve as a crucial guiding document for the continent as it addresses the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
The Africa Climate Summit has been instrumental in consolidating the voices of African nations in preparation for the upcoming COP28 (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). It serves as a critical platform for African leaders to collectively address climate change and advocate for sustainable solutions on the global stage.