Turning Africa into a green power house is vital for global industrialization decarbonization
No country should be forced to choose between its development and climate action, President William Ruto has said, adding that it is possible to pursue the two together.
Transcript
00:00 Turning Africa into a green powerhouse is not just essential for the continent.
00:06 It is also vital for global industrialization decarbonization.
00:11 Going forward, clear actionable roadmaps for implementations are required.
00:18 In turn, this call for a unified global effort to mobilize the necessary capital for both
00:25 development and climate action to echo the consensus projected at the Paris Summit.
00:31 We must establish a new global financing pact which ensures that no country is ever forced
00:39 to choose between its development aspirations and necessary climate action.
00:44 Fundamentally, this is a call for an integrated approach where economic growth and developmental
00:52 sustainability are not mutually exclusive but are pursued in tandem for the greater
00:58 global good.
00:59 The urgency and magnitude of our task calls for far greater transformation than the incremental
01:07 progress we have seen over the past 30 years.
01:12 We need to execute quantum leaps in terms of both our strategic actions and technological
01:18 innovation.
01:19 What lies at stake is more than just a climate issue.
01:23 It is a matter of guaranteeing dignified living and livelihoods for billions who lack basic
01:30 necessities.
01:31 Our response must match the scale of this global challenge with boldness and innovation.
01:40 Given this context, the longstanding adversarial dynamic between global north and global south
01:46 proves practically counterproductive.
01:48 This division has hindered our ability to unite and leverage our collective strengths
01:55 and robbed us of tremendous opportunities.
01:58 Yet, in the face of a threat that endangers the health of our planet and our very existence,
02:06 we must find in collective action a force that neutralizes and transcends these divisions.
02:13 Climate change does not respect artificial distinctions, traditional boundaries, or old
02:20 antagonisms.
02:21 Instead, it should unite us against a shared, borderless challenge.
02:27 Consequently, our approach must be collaborative, inclusive, and anchored in justice.
02:34 This means making decisions that prioritize the well-being of every person while acknowledging
02:40 that climate action is inextricably linked to social justice and equity.
02:46 In this room, ladies and gentlemen, we have the power, the means, and most of all, the
02:53 responsibility to act.
02:56 The world is watching, and what we deliver at COP28 will be a testament of whether we
03:02 are capable guardians of this planet and competent stewards of its stability.
03:08 COP28 and the global stocktake are elements of a strong and clear call to conscience on
03:16 behalf of the global community.
03:20 Let us not be satisfied with another minimal increment, but rather let us make this COP
03:27 a turning point towards a just, equal world opportunity, safe from the looming threat
03:34 of a climate disaster.
03:36 Thank you.
03:36 [END]