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| Foreign Affairs CAS Hon. Namwamba, representing Kenya in the EU-IGAD ministerial meeting |
Not often do we witness environmental issues being on top of agenda in many development oriented summits, especially those that bring together world leaders and states ministers. Environmental issues of concern are mainly discussed in Ministerial environmental agreements such UNFCCC, CBD and associated Rio summits.
Many nations especially from Africa prioritize trade ties, infrastructure, conflicts – as result of political instability – at the expense of biodiversity conservation upon which humankind depends on for survival.
However, we witnessed a historic moment in the history of the world when Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon Ababu Namwamba who led the Kenyan delegation at the EU-IGAD Ministerial consultative meeting in Khartoum, Sudan on February 29, 2020, unequivocably brought upfront an environmental issue for prioritization by IGAD member states.
This was a complete turnaround of Horn of Africa focus on not only prioritizing violence, political instability, nose-diving economies, peace but also recognizing that it goes way beyond the economic growth to be certain about sustainable development.
Kenyan voice on climate issues is the best foot forward to implement our NDCs as reflected in Paris Agreement of 2015.
The message from Hon Ababu Namwamba was strong and relevant enough to win the support of EU Commission Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy H.E Josep Borell Fontelles who affirmed EU readiness to help IGAD Member States to combat the destructive desert locust invasion in the Horn of Africa with a contribution of €11 Million.
How we, the young people pray that IGAD member states will give strong message of Hon Ababu Namwamba much seriousness it deserves to combat climate change.
We also urge them to take it upon themselves (States) to increase funds for financing climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives especially from young people to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change. Youth and children are more impacted by climate change and biodiversity loss enablers than any other population cohort.
Our future seems grim hence we call upon every world leader to integrate intergenerational equity as an intervention to fight biodiversity loss and climate change
We, the young people ask our leaders and ministers to give us an opportunity to engage them in matters of transformative change for a better future.
