The Africa Climate Summit #acs2023 – September 4-6 2023 Nairobi

This week, we celebrate the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change under the Leadership of H.E. President William Ruto for concluding the #africaclimatesummit educating us who before ACS did not understand the need for the summit in the first place, and direction on what to hold CAHOSCC accountable to going forward. It was also good for business in #nairobikenya 😎

As #governance consultants, we choose to review the #acs2023 declarations through the lens of ensuring that the framework and structure to execute the declarations (doing the right things in the right way) are in order to increase the chances of success. This is directly linked and stems from other global initiatives e.g the Sustainability Development Goals. It is no secret that as a world we have less than 7years to achieve the 17 #sdgs2030 and on the 17th and 18th of this month, #UN member states shall be ramping up progress on previous commitments to meet the #2030vision .

So here are the Akira Consult take outs:
1. The facts: Like all other global initiatives, we need concerted action to ensure that we have a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. Climate change affects the whole world and should we not move to action (beyond summits and declarations) the dangers we face, especially within Africa are real. Africa suffers greatly from effects of #climatechange yet only contributes 4% to the damage. As well, it has 40% of the resources needed to combat efforts and is owed an annual commitment of USD100 billion in climate finance from developed nations
2. The proposed solution- To stop talking and start aligning to the #parisagreement on climate change. This calls for fair deployment of the climate finance commitments, and accelerate the Loss and Damage facility agreed upon in Cop27 last year. It is worth noting that at #cop28 in Dubai in November, an update from Cop27 shall be required. Let us hope the Santiago Network has a comprehensive update.
3. Our own part- As we clamor for developed countries to do their part, what can we do as #africa ? We definitely did stand out at ACS in hosting a world class summit, impressed with local solutions, showed continental and regional trade agreements such as #afcfta , and are building knowledge and support for climate change adaptation and transition. Now we act.
4. What needs to happen- Suitable financing agreements that take into account the current situation from multilateral development banks, renegotiation on current debt agreements, other support in terms of technology and science for local solutions and finally more action, less talk!

Akira Consult remains a sustainability champion and is actively pursuing opportunities in this space. Our attendance to ACS was in the Climate Finance, Adaptation and transition space under #GPIC2023 and look forward to other opportunities- stay tuned!