African negotiators have gathered in preparation for the upcoming COP 28.
During the meeting held in Nairobi on Wednesday, experts addressed pressing challenges associated with climate change; impacts on health, agriculture, water resources and biodiversity.
Speaking during the meeting, State Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry PS Festus Ng'eno, who was represented by ministry official Faith Njeru, said many challenges have to be pulled onto the negotiating table at COP28.
Ng'eno said despite Africa’s negligible share of global emissions, the Continent suffers a disproportionate share of the climate change burden.
This he said affects economic growth, sustainable development, and general well-being.
"This impedes her long overdue quest for development which is needed to provide opportunities for our youthful population in terms of clean jobs, as well as innovations in food production, clean energy, and transportation," the PS said.
Ng'eno said droughts, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, and landslides are some key impacts that continue to erode development efforts.
He said the weather events push many communities to poverty while deepening our debt burden.
Ng'eno said Africa’s natural capital can be harnessed to address not only development challenges.
"I hope that as great minds, with Africa at heat, you will be able to break down these into a persuasive message that will invite investments to Africa as equals with something valuable to offer, and not beggars," the representative said.
On behalf of the African Group of Negotiators Chairperson, Friday Phiri said COP 28 is crucial in view of Global Stock Take (GST).
Phiri said they would like the GST to address all elements of the Paris Agreement, both backwards and forward-looking.
"Our message for COP 28 has always been clear. We would like it to deliver ambitious, fair and just outcomes that should set the world on course. This should effectively address climate change including adaptation, loss and damage, finance and mitigation," he said.
The AGN representative said the issues form part of priorities included in Africa's common position endorsed by the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN).
He said the priorities were deliberated on during the Africa climate summit as well.
He urged the experts attending the meeting to keep in mind special circumstances such as Africa and the need to be allowed policy space and support to achieve sustainable development.
"As AGN we insist that COP 28 outcomes should be guided by the best available science and provisions of Paris Agreement," Phiri said.
