Environment CS Deborah Barasa during the high-level special session to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment.President William Ruto has rallied the African continent to harness the untapped potential and build resilient ecosystems.
Ruto stated that the continent has numerous untapped opportunities.
“Africa is home to the world’s youngest population. We possess vast renewable energy resources and critical minerals essential to the global green transition,” Ruto said.
The President made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf at the high-level special session to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment by Environment CS Deborah Barasa.
The African Ministerial Conference on the Environment was established 40 years ago in response to the urgent need to tackle environmental degradation.
Ruto stated that the continent is rich in untapped potential, natural resources, youthful energy, and indigenous knowledge.
“We must harness these resources to build resilient ecosystems and sustainable economies that support livelihoods across Africa,” Ruto said.
Ruto stated that climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion have become more complex, urgent, and interconnected than ever before.
He lauded work being done by the ministerial conference, saying it has demonstrated consistent and exemplary leadership.
“This forum has unified and amplified Africa’s voice in global environmental diplomacy and negotiations; established the Africa Groups of Negotiators on climate change, biodiversity, and chemicals, among others; and championed landmark initiatives such as the Africa Green Stimulus Programme,” Ruto said.
Ruto said the forum has also been a voice in the Great Green Wall and the Africa Environment Outlook series; forged partnerships across key sectors from finance to health, energy, and agriculture; and, most importantly, inspired generations to embrace environmental stewardship as a pathway to prosperity rather than a burden.
He said that beyond the significant milestones, the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment has evolved into a respected and formidable force for sustainable development.
He said since the 1990s, the forum has played a pivotal role in shaping multilateral environmental agreements, including the Rio Conventions on Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Desertification, as well as their associated protocols and frameworks.
“Today, the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment continues to be a strong, consistent, and articulate voice on critical environmental issues, both on the continent and globally.”
Ruto said the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment must remain at the forefront of shaping the Africa we want through bold, visionary, and action-oriented leadership.
This includes advancing science and innovation; harnessing digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and early warning systems to anticipate and respond to environmental threats; and mobilizing sustainable finance, including green bonds and carbon markets, among others.
As chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with ministers to safeguard and promote the collective interests of our great continent.
Earlier, CS Barasa called for innovative approaches and the aligning of national budgets to meet climate challenges.
She said the global development assistance is becoming uncertain.
“Our discussions have not only been rigorous but also refreshingly honest and forward-thinking. We’ve tackled complex technical issues and the tough policy questions that confront our continent. I have been especially encouraged by the depth of our negotiations, which have led to real, tangible progress and results we can act on,” she said.
AMCEN started on July 14 to 18 under the theme “Four Decades of Environmental Action in Africa: Reflecting on the Past and Imagining the Future.”
