Kenya convenes pre-meeting to front African priorities on climate negotiation

The meeting being hosted by African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) kicked off in Nairobi on Tuesday to reflect on COP28 outcomes, particularly regarding agriculture, adaptation, loss and damage, adaptation finance, gender and climate change, health and climate change, water and climate security, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions.

At the end of the discussions on Friday a common African position and submission on key agenda items for SB60 will be arrived, including agriculture, adaptation, gender, health, water, and biodiversity.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Anne Wang’ombe, PS State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action reiterated that the Kenyan government has prioritized climate change initiatives, including the promotion of green energy and tree planting initiatives. 

‘’We have embarked on a National Gender and Climate Change vulnerabilities hotspot mapping exercise, with support from AGNES, to inform targeted actions in sectors such as Water, Energy, and Agriculture. Beyond my department, our collective representation across various sectors underscores the holistic approach needed to tackle climate challenges, integrating gender perspectives into policies and actions,” Wang’ombe explained.

African continent contribute less than 4% of greenhouse gas emission yet it is grappling with extreme negative effects of climate change.

AGNES team lead Dr. George Wamukoya highlighted that they are a critical juncture in the fight against the effects of climate change, and the urgency to address the warming planet has never been more palpable.

“As we convene for the Pre-SB60 AGNES Strategy Meeting, it's imperative that we unite under a common African position. Together with our esteemed partners and collaborators, we aim to pave the way for meaningful action at the upcoming SB60 session. Our collective efforts, guided by reflection on COP28 outcomes, will shape strategic approaches across crucial themes: agriculture, adaptation, gender equality, health, water security, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions,” Wamukoya said. 

He added, “Through dialogue, collaboration, and determination, we endeavour to chart a path towards resilience, sustainability, and equitable development. Let us seize this opportunity to make a tangible difference in the fight against climate change." 

Natasha Museba, a member of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) Policy and Legal team said that health is identified as one of the targets to be considered in the framing of the GGA that it will be used to assess the impacts of climate.

She explained, “The target is to achieve universal health coverage for climate related health impacts, strengthen climate-resilient health systems and services, and eliminate climate-related mortality and morbidity, by 2030. This is informed by WHO targets as well as SDG targets. Africa in particular is on the frontline of the climate-induced health burden. There has been a 63% increase in the number of zoonotic outbreaks in Africa in the decade from 2012-2022 compared to 2001-2011.”

Other key partners in the discussion, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) pledged to leverage its convening power by facilitating broad-based consultations on adaptation issues at SB60 and engaging with negotiation blocks.

“PACJA will co-host Africa Climate Talks with United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to amplify messaging and support the Keep Your Promise Campaign for increased adaptation financing," Dr. Mithika Mwenda PACJA Executive Director said. 

The event brought together climate experts from 30 African countries ranging from policymakers, negotiators, experts, practitioners, farmer organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and gender national focal points, development partners, and international and regional research organizations.