From Nairobi to Dubai Part 2: The Nairobi Declaration

What is the Nairobi Declaration?

Source: https://climateaction.africa/nairobi-declaration-on-climate-change-was-adopted-by-african-heads-of-state-and-government-on-6-september-2023/

The Nairobi Declaration is a document that summarizes the outcomes and commitments of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, which was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4th to 6th September 2023. The summit was convened by H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), with the support of H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

The summit brought together global leaders, intergovernmental organizations, regional economic communities, United Nations agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, local communities, farmer organizations, children, youth, women and academia to discuss Africa’s climate change challenges and formulate sustainable solutions.

The Nairobi Declaration reflects the common vision and position of Africa on climate change issues and actions. It contains 10 calls to action that address various aspects of climate change mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer, capacity building, and governance. The declaration also reaffirms the principles set out in the UNFCCC and its related agreements, such as equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

What are the key messages and recommendations of the Nairobi Declaration?

The Nairobi Declaration makes a strong push for accelerated climate action and financing mechanisms that can support Africa’s transition to low carbon development and contribution to global decarbonization. Some of the key messages and recommendations of the declaration are:

• Urgent action by developed countries to reduce carbon emissions: The declaration calls on developed countries to take immediate and ambitious actions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with their historical responsibility and their fair share of the global carbon budget. It also urges them to fulfill their commitment to provide $100 billion per year by 2020 for climate action in developing countries.
• A new financing mechanism to restructure Africa’s debt and unlock climate funding: The declaration proposes a new financing mechanism that can address Africa’s debt crisis and create fiscal space for climate action. The mechanism would involve swapping or converting a portion of Africa’s debt into green bonds or other instruments that can mobilize resources for climate projects. The mechanism would also leverage private sector investment and innovation to scale up climate solutions in Africa.
• Decarbonizing the global economy for equality and shared prosperity: The declaration stresses the importance of decarbonizing the global economy in a way that ensures equality and shared prosperity for all. It calls for a just transition that respects human rights, social justice, gender equality, and intergenerational equity. It also calls for a green recovery from COVID-19 that builds resilience and sustainability for all.

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COP28 UAE

How does the Nairobi Declaration relate to COP 28?

The Nairobi Declaration is a significant outcome of the Africa Climate Summit, which was organized as a preparatory event for COP 28. The declaration will serve as the basis for Africa’s common position and strategy at COP 28 and beyond. It will also inform and influence the Global Stocktake (GST), which is a comprehensive assessment of the collective progress towards achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.

The Nairobi Declaration demonstrates Africa’s determination and leadership on climate issues. It also shows Africa’s expectations and demands from COP 28 and other international partners. It calls for solidarity and cooperation among all nations to address the global climate emergency.