Africa needs new strategy against climate change, Ruto says

"There is need to review the current financial system to serve its purpose."

In Summary
  • Ruto said there is need to review the current financing model of climate action.
  • On his part, Guterres said it was time to shake the international financial and economic order.
President ⁦William Ruto at the conference of Heads of State and Government of the Climate Commission for the Sahel Region, at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
President ⁦William Ruto at the conference of Heads of State and Government of the Climate Commission for the Sahel Region, at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Image: STATE HOUSE

President William Ruto has called for a paradigm shift in the financing of climate action.

Speaking on Friday when he held talks with the UN Secretary General António Guterres, Ruto said there is need to review the current financing model of climate action.

He said this will help serve the intended purpose of fighting the effects of climate change.

"There is need to review the current financial system to serve its purpose. I don't think reform is the right word. We need a new architecture to respond to climate change," he said.

On his part, Guterres said it was time to shake the international financial and economic order.

"We are trying to get reforms in the international financial systems. The international multilateral system today doesn't represent the current situation," he said.

The UN boss commended Kenya for playing a leading role in the region's conflict resolution exercise and pledged the organisation's help.

"Kenya is the only country that is pushing South Sudan to a solution. What you are doing is fantastic. We will support your peace efforts in DRC," he said. 

Kenya will host a climate Summit in September 2023 to underline government's commitment to protecting the country from the adverse effects of global warming.

The leaders held the meeting on the sidelines of the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union, Heads of States and Government Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

President William Ruto with the UN Secretary General António Guterres at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday, February 17, 2023.
President William Ruto with the UN Secretary General António Guterres at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday, February 17, 2023.
Image: PCS
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