Ruto Says Kenya Ready to Host Second Africa Climate Summit If Other Countries Pass on It

Ruto Says Kenya Ready to Host Second Africa Climate Summit If Other Countries Pass on It

Speaking while chairing the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change at the AU summit in Addis Ababa on Sunday, Ruto stated that Kenya was willing to take up the task if no other country was up for it. 

“Looking ahead, 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges for Africa’s Climate Action Agenda. We must capitalise on the following key areas and moments; 2nd African Climate Summit. Following the AU’s decision for a bi-annual summit, Africa Climate Action will provide a critical platform to access progress and lessons, and strengthen collaboration,” Ruto stated.

“We will agree at this forum where we are going to hold the next African Summit. If there is a country that is willing to host, it is okay with us. If there is none, Kenya will be willing to host the 2nd African Summit.”

The inaugural Africa Climate Summit was held in Kenya in September 2023 where the theme was “Adapting to Climate Change: A Call for Action.” 

It set out to develop strategies to mitigate climate effects before the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) was held at Expo City in Dubai. 

The summit saw the attendance of over 17 heads of state and government and representatives from businesses, civil societies, and the scientific community.

Backed by the African Union, the summit also saw the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Government of Kenya as part of a series of events following the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) held in Egypt in November 2022.

Held between September 4 and 5, 2023, the event was also attended by the African Union Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The then Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Abel Mutua affirmed that the summit would serve as a call to action for African countries to champion for implementation of the ambitious African Leaders Nairobi Declaration.

“The declaration seeks to launch a renewed ambition for Africa and invite partnerships with the rest of the world,” Mutua explained. 

As a result, Guterres extended an invitation to President Ruto to present the outcomes of the Africa Climate Summit at the high-level Climate Ambition Summit in New York on September 20, 2024.

Ruto Says Kenya Ready to Host Second Africa Climate Summit If Other Countries Pass on It