Ahead of the 28th session of United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) scheduled for Dubai, United Arab Emirates later in November, the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has called on the UN body to make special consideration for the needs of the African continent.
AGN made the call during the official opening of a Pre-COP28 Strategy Meeting organised by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) in Nairobi, Kenya
AGN Chair Ephraim Mwepya Shitima said the continent stakeholders should not lose focus of the key principle of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capacities (CBDR-RC).
While CBDR–RC acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change, Shitima added that the equity principle takes into consideration and safeguards Africa’s interests and unique circumstances as a continent that contributes negligently to global emissions and yet suffers the most due to its low capacity to adapt to adverse effects of climate change.
“As you deliberate on the various themes during this crucial meeting, I urge Africans to keep in mind our special circumstances as Africa and the need for us to be allowed policy space and support to achieve sustainable development.
AGN Communication Specialist, Friday Phiri, said the equity principle is very important as it takes into consideration and safeguards “our interests and unique circumstances as a continent that contributes just about four percent to global emissions and yet suffers the most.”
Africa has repeatedly noted the need for Africa to be accorded policy space required to develop means of implementation and support to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
