At the Leaders Dialogue on Adaptation Action in Africa in Nairobi on Thursday, July 7, President Uhuru Kenyatta was formally introduced as the Global Champion for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) by Global Center on Adaptation CEO Professor Patrick Verkooijen.
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) jointly developed the AAAP, an Africa-led, Africa-owned initiative that is mobilizing US$25 billion for climate adaptation in the areas of food security, resilient infrastructure, adaptation jobs, and climate finance by 2025. President Kenyatta has been a key driving force behind the initiative.
As the AAAP’s global champion, President Kenyatta will keep up his courageous leadership on Kenya’s climate adaptation efforts to inspire the international community to uphold its pledge to double global climate money.
“Africa, and the entire world, are dealing with numerous global shocks that are having an impact on our economies. Climate change-exacerbated, catastrophic drought in the Horn of Africa is endangering lives and livelihoods and requires an immediate response.
The current climate crisis is causing many African countries, including Kenya, to lose around 3% of their GDP annually, according to President Kenyatta.
“I took up the position of Global Champion for the AAAP to encourage the vital efforts and international funding required to address the current food and climate crises and to create a more resilient continent.
The AAAP is Africa’s plan, which prioritizes jobs and youth development for a green, affluent Africa.
Prior to the “African COP” in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022, President Kenyatta’s support as the AAAP’s Global Champion is essential for advancing adaptation efforts and fostering significant contributions to the AAAP at the Africa Adaptation Summit: GCA High-Level Dialogue for COP27, which will take place at the GCA headquarters on Monday, September 5.
By mainstreaming adaptation into projects worth more than $3 billion since 2021, AAAP’s catalytic interventions have already quickly and effectively achieved impact at scale.
Africa is fed up with waiting, and Professor Patrick Verkooijen said in a statement to the media, “I am deeply honoured to continue working alongside President Kenyatta for Africa to build forward better by financing a greener, more resilient, and prosperous continent that puts people in the driving seat.”
“Adaptation is not only feasible, but also financially sensible. Putting money towards climate adaptation is beneficial to our health. Good for the environment Also beneficial to our economies.
President Kenyatta received congratulations from world leaders on his appointment.
“Your Excellency, I know your proven leadership on climate adaptation in Africa,” remarked Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary General of the United Nations and Chair of the Global Center for Adaptation.
You are and will continue to be the loudest voice for galvanizing the international community, ensuring that nations uphold their climate finance commitments, and encouraging them to support the largest adaptation initiative on this magnificent continent.
“Mr. President, your leadership has already inspired others to step-up and accelerate action to tackle global warming, and there is no one better to champion adaptation in Africa, including the financing that is so desperately needed,” said Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Because of this, the AAAP and its upstream financing facility are crucial.
“I would like to commend my brother, Uhuru Kenyatta, for being a driving force behind the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
His powerful voice and visionary leadership will motivate others to step up and quicken the adaptation efforts needed to combat climate change.
President Kenyatta’s leadership on this issue is greatly appreciated and serves as a powerful example for others as an eminent international statesman.
“I would like to applaud the decision of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General of the United Nations and current Chairman of the Global Center on Adaptation, and of course Professor Patrick Verkooijen, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Center on Adaptation, in selecting you, President Kenyatta, as the global champion for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program,” said Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group.
The timing is ideal, coming up on the Africa COP27 in Egypt. It’s time to convert pledges into assets.
Exaltation must now be followed by action. It’s time to make dreams come true. And for that, we require a champion, a proven leader, and a voice that is heard around the world.
Kenyatta is a doer, the president. President Kenyatta is a champion of the environment.
The enthusiasm, voice, and leadership of President Kenyatta will be beneficial as we push for increased funding for climate adaptation in Africa.