Bonn, June 19, GNA – The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on Climate Change has urged faster global action to ensure that the transition to cleaner energy supports jobs, economic growth and development in poorer countries.
The call was made at the closing session of the SB 64 Climate Conference in Bonn, Germany, where parties reviewed progress on ongoing climate negotiations.
Speaking on behalf of Africa’s 54 countries and more than 1.6 billion people, AGN Chair Dr Antwi Boasiako Amoah said climate action must support development and not impose additional burdens on developing nations.
“The issues discussed at this meeting directly affect Africa’s right to development and efforts to reduce poverty,” he said.
Dr Amoah said Africa supported climate policies that balanced environmental protection with development priorities, including industrialisation, energy access and poverty reduction.
He said while some progress had been made in the negotiations, implementation of agreed workstreams under the global transition agenda remained slow.
Dr Amoah called for greater urgency in translating climate commitments into practical outcomes, saying all agreed areas of work should receive equal attention.
“Africa’s priority is industrialisation, sustainable development and poverty eradication,” he said.
The AGN said climate action for Africa must go beyond emissions reduction to include job creation and improved energy access.
Dr Amoah said technology transfer and international cooperation would be critical in enabling African countries to pursue low-carbon development pathways while growing their economies.
The group welcomed discussions on capacity building and gender-related issues but called for stronger support to help countries implement climate policies at national and local levels.
As negotiations continue, the AGN said it would remain engaged constructively but urged greater urgency in delivering tangible benefits from global climate commitments.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Albert Oppong-Ansah
Email: [email protected]