KEPSA in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, German Development Co-operation (GIZ), and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), organized a High-Level Private Sector Post ACS- Pre- COP 28 Summit, on 22^nd November 2023, ahead of the 28^th Conference of the Parties (COP 28). KEPSA was represented by the CEO, Ms Carole Kariuki. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs was represented by the Principal Secretary, State Department of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’oei, UNEP was represented by the Head Kenya Country Programme Africa Office, Dr. Cyrille-Lazare Siewe, GIZ was represented by the Head of Energy, Transport and Climate change, Ms. Hanna Salian. Also present was Dr. John Chumo, CEO Office of the First Lady.

 “Tapping into the vitality of Africa, we must strategically tap into the opportunities presented by Africa’s rich resource to invest in a green manner. Strategic planning and regional collaboration are required to scale up investments, promote innovation and establish vibrant sustainable markets that support our planet is a crucial task for the private sector in Kenya and Africa,” said Ms. Kariuki, noting that businesses are the engines of economies, providing jobs, improving livelihoods, and implementing climate solutions.  

Speaking at the summit, the PS, Dr. Korir Sing'oei, lauded Kenyan businesses for recognizing the importance of building climate resilience, implementing measures to adapt to changing weather patterns, and incorporating climate risk assessments into their strategies.

"As we chart the path for the country’s sustainable economic future,  no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action and neither should any private sector have to choose between business and climate action,  the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is keen on collaborating with the private sector in Kenya and across the continent through the climate diplomacy network by bolstering green development, ensuring sustainable growth, and positioning Africa as a key player on the global stage," said the PS.

"As we navigate the global challenges posed by climate change, Germany stands as a steadfast partner in supporting climate action, energy and sustainable solutions in Kenya and across Africa. Our collecting efforts to drive the country's momentum to champion the delivery of green growth agenda and climate finance plans. The Summit today is a testament that together, we can build a resilient future, increase investments that foster innovation, and drive positive change for the benefit of current and future generations. ," said Hanna Salian, the Head of Energy Transport and Climate Change, GIZ.

Dr. Cyrille Siewe, echoed his sentiments by reiterating the UN’s support for climate action in Kenya and Africa. “We believe in the power of collective action and collaboration to address the challenges climate change poses. Our commitment to actively work closely with the private sector and the government extends beyond words, and we are eager to continue contributing to the global efforts toward a sustainable future," said Dr. Cyrille.

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports indicate that the world is not on track to limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees C. The Nationally-Determined Contribution (NDC) pledges, as they stand, would still exceed the 1.5°C target, at least for some time. Therefore, the urgency of addressing climate change is more apparent than ever, with the forum underscoring the need for immediate and collective action.

“Climate threats in Africa are amplified by the high social and economic vulnerability levels, further exacerbating the transition risk and physical impacts. As we move to COP 28, we must continue presenting a unified voice for Africa by Africans by collaborating more and adopting multi-stakeholder efforts towards scaling up action,” emphasized Dr John Chumo.

The summit sought to reflect on the Africa Climate Summit as well as develop and consolidate a common agenda for scaling up the commitment of the Africa private sector commitment on pathways to Climate Resilience and Green Growth ahead of the COP 28. The deliberations of the sessions will be further amplified during COP 28.

The summit brought together private sector leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the pressing challenges of climate change and chart a roadmap towards COP 28, which will convene from November 30^th to December 12^th 2023, in the UAE.