NAIROBI, July 20, (Xinhua/GNA) — The 20th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20) wrapped up on Friday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with delegates adopting resolutions calling for increased climate finance amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who closed the meeting, stressed that Africa is ready for a green and just transition, supported by innovative climate financing, technology transfer, and a supportive policy environment.
Ruto said AMCEN should spearhead a green and resilient future for Africa through leveraging science and innovation, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, and partnerships.
He urged governments to focus on green bonds and carbon markets in their bid to bridge the climate financing gap, accelerating low-carbon development that promotes the health of local communities and ecosystems.
Ibrahim Munir, Libya’s minister of environment and incoming AMCEN president, stressed that unity of purpose is key to curbing the ecological crisis that threatens sustainable development, peace, and stability in Africa.
According to Munir, AMCEN-20 galvanized political capital needed to advance environmental sustainability on a continent, that has borne the brunt of climate emergencies, species extinction, and pollution.
Over 1,000 delegates, including environment ministers from over 50 African countries, scientists, donors, green campaigners, industry leaders and innovators, attended the five-day AMCEN-20. Some of the 11 resolutions adopted at AMCEN-20 focused on safeguarding critical minerals that are crucial to Africa’s green transition, investments in the circular economy, and restoring degraded ecosystems.
GNA