Libreville, 30 August 2022 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry attended the opening session of the Africa Climate Week ACW 2022 held in Gabon.
He mentioned that despite Africa’s contribution of only 4% to emissions, it is facing the effects of climate change. This hinders its efforts in developing and testing its society’s resilience. He noted that these effects included all African regions and accelerated.
Egyptian Foreign Minister mentioned that Africa is a continent of promising opportunities with a large number of young people. The continent offers an abundance of Natural Resources and enormous economic potential.
H.E. Sameh Shoukry, #Egypt FM and #COP27 President Designate speaks to the climate injustices faced by Africa, and the credible solutions that need to be implemented, in his opening address at #AfricaCliamteWeek 2022 pic.twitter.com/adb6R8J7M7
— COP27Presidency (@Cop27P) August 29, 2022
“The African continent is one of the most affected by climate change according to the latest reports” Shoukry noted
He stressed that Africa is committed to its low economic resources of supporting 2-3% of its GDP each year to counter these impacts. This responsibility can only describe as a lack of climate justice. African governments should continue to advocate for Climate Justice.
He pointed out that the world is facing accelerating challenges related to geopolitical changes, energy crises, food security, increasing the cost of financing, as well as the debt challenge due to climate change.
“We need bold and collective actions based on the principle of fairness. Egypt’s COP27 presidency commits to ensuring that no one is left behind”.
Remarks of other officials
The president of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba also made his remarks. He highlighted that “in less than three months, the UN climate change conference(COP27) will be held in Sharm el-Sheikh”.
He added that COP27 is described as the conference of the parties in Africa and will significantly shape the future of the African continent.
Bongo noted that the ACW 2022, is one of the last major climate events before COP27. It can bring African countries together to walk the path to COP27 with unity of purpose and determination for a better future.
He urged African countries to seize this opportunity to work on innovative, concrete, and sustainable solutions. This will give African countries the means to successfully combat climate change.
