He said economic growth and environmental sustainability cannot be mutually exclusive.
Its a call for an integrated global effort that will broaden capital for both development and climate action.
“Ignoring Africa's developmental needs and the failure to invest in our youth is no longer a tenable argument,” he said.
President Ruto was speaking on Friday at the opening session of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai.
He told the meeting that has attracted representatives from more than 200 countries, that it is time Africa is turned into a green powerhouse.
“This is not just essential for the continent, but also vital for global industrial decarbonisation,” he said.
The world cannot overlook Africa’s huge potential or ignore its pressing needs.
He regretted the world was still split between the developed North and the poor South.
The division has hindered the ability of the world to leverage its strengths, he said.
“It has robbed us of opportunities; we must find in collective action a force that propels our success.”
By turning promises to progress, the world was firmly on its way back onto a 1.5-degree Celsius ceiling.
“We are also here to support those who have contributed least to climate change yet bear its most catastrophic impacts.”
In the event were COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, United Nations secretary general António Guterres, among other world leaders.
Ruto said climate crisis must never be seen as remote threat.
“It is here, indiscriminately devastating nations regardless of their size or wealth.”
He cited floods that followed the most severe drought eastern Africa has seen in four decades.
He attributed the weather extremes to human activities.
There will be no excuse if COP28 fails to deliver a concrete and sustainable action to the crisis.
“We have the power, the means and, most of all, the responsibility to act.”
Later, Ruto held discussions on Transforming Climate Finance.
The current climate financing ecosystem should be restructured and be made more responsive and innovative.
“This effectively addresses the challenges posed by high debt service pressure — especially in developing countries.”
In the panel were the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak, President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley.
