- Ruto had in September, in conjunction with the Africa Union, hosted the first-ever Africa Climate Summit
- The President said the threat that is climate change is devastating countries regardless of their size or wealth.
Image: PCS
Conference of the Parties (COP28) President Sultan Al Jaber has described President William Ruto's efforts towards climate action as 'unprecedented'
Speaking at the COP28 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Jaber said the world appreciated the efforts made by Ruto.
"I must say what President Ruto has been able to do in the past year towards climate action is unprecedented and we very much appreciate it," he said.
Ruto had in September, in conjunction with the Africa Union, hosted the first-ever Africa Climate Summit, which received high praises for the extended efforts in climate action, for Africa by Africans.
The head of state delivered a speech at COP28 on behalf of Africa in his capacity as the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).
He highlighted the continent's priorities and built on the historic African Leaders Nairobi Declaration adopted at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi in September 2023.
Further, Ruto called for the establishment of a New Global Financing Pact which ensures no country is ever forced to choose between its development aspirations and necessary climate action.
The President said the threat that is climate change is devastating countries regardless of their size or wealth.
"A stark illustration of this disastrous turn of events is currently unfolding in Eastern Africa, where catastrophic flooding has swiftly followed the most severe drought the region has seen in over forty years," he said.
The President told the summit that studies indicate that droughts are now at least 100 times more likely in parts of Africa than they were in the pre-industrial era.
He said in Kenya, relentless torrents have claimed lives, displaced countless communities, destroyed vital infrastructure and disrupted critical supply chains across many vital sectors.