Kenyan gathering of African negotiators aims to advance climate justice
Over 70 African negotiators gathered in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Tuesday to advocate for climate justice for the continent.
TroibNews 
In Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, over 70 African negotiators on climate change convened on Tuesday to advocate for climate justice on the continent. The gathering, known as the Special Session of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, spans two days and includes representatives from 35 African nations. Its focus is to establish a unified stance on crucial issues like climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage, ensuring Africa's influence is prominent in international climate discussions.
Kenya's special climate envoy and chair of the African Group of Negotiators, Ali Mohamed, emphasized the importance of this meeting for Africa's climate agenda, particularly as they review the outcomes from the 29th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.
"We are also strategizing for the upcoming Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change that is taking place later this month," Mohamed stated. He further indicated that the session will help outline priorities for 2025 and craft Africa’s collective position in anticipation of COP30, scheduled to occur in Brazil later this year.
Harsen Nyambe, director of the Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Directorate at the African Union Commission, remarked that Africa cannot afford to remain a passive player in climate diplomacy. Instead, he insisted that the continent must be proactive, strategic, and unified in promoting a climate agenda that supports its leadership in the green economy.
Nyambe highlighted that Africa's pursuit of climate justice encompasses the activation of the Loss and Damage Fund, boosting investments in renewable energy, and enhancing community-driven climate adaptation initiatives. He indicated that African nations are anticipated to receive sufficient climate funding if global climate finance mechanisms undergo reform.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
Kenya's special climate envoy and chair of the African Group of Negotiators, Ali Mohamed, emphasized the importance of this meeting for Africa's climate agenda, particularly as they review the outcomes from the 29th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.
"We are also strategizing for the upcoming Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change that is taking place later this month," Mohamed stated. He further indicated that the session will help outline priorities for 2025 and craft Africa’s collective position in anticipation of COP30, scheduled to occur in Brazil later this year.
Harsen Nyambe, director of the Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Directorate at the African Union Commission, remarked that Africa cannot afford to remain a passive player in climate diplomacy. Instead, he insisted that the continent must be proactive, strategic, and unified in promoting a climate agenda that supports its leadership in the green economy.
Nyambe highlighted that Africa's pursuit of climate justice encompasses the activation of the Loss and Damage Fund, boosting investments in renewable energy, and enhancing community-driven climate adaptation initiatives. He indicated that African nations are anticipated to receive sufficient climate funding if global climate finance mechanisms undergo reform.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
