Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale represented President William Ruto today at the opening session of the African Union (AU) Consultation on the Development of the Common African Position on Climate Change, Peace, and Security. The three-day consultative meeting, held in Nairobi, aims to address the interlinked challenges of climate change, peace, and security on the continent.
The high-level meeting seeks to identify and bridge gaps in policy, technical capacity, funding, and decision-making that have hindered the effective development and implementation of responses to the interconnected threats of climate change and conflict. The discussions are expected to pave the way for a more unified African approach to these critical issues, ahead of global climate negotiations and peace-building efforts.
CS Duale is accompanied by Climate Envoy Ali Mohammed and Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ambassador Gertrude Angote. Their participation underscores Kenya’s commitment to leading and shaping the continental dialogue on climate action and security.
Key figures at the consultation include Dr. Alhadji Sarjoh Bah, Director for Conflict Management at the African Union Commission, and Mr. Parfait Onanga Anyanga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office to the AU. These dignitaries, along with other experts and officials, are set to engage in in-depth discussions to forge a stronger, more cohesive African stance on these pressing issues.
As climate change continues to exacerbate conflicts and destabilize regions across Africa, this consultative meeting is seen as a critical step towards ensuring that African voices and perspectives are at the forefront of global climate and security policies. The outcomes of this meeting will contribute to the shaping of strategies that align with the unique needs and challenges of African nations, while also positioning the continent as a key player in international climate and peace initiatives.
The meeting highlights the increasing recognition of the intricate linkages between climate change and security, and the urgent need for coordinated action to protect vulnerable communities and promote sustainable peace across Africa.
