The Sahrawi Republic Signs the Kampala Convention on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change
BY: Hana Saada
Nairobi, Kenya – September 5, 2023– In a historic move aimed at addressing pressing global challenges, the Sahrawi Republic has officially signed the Kampala Convention on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change during a high-profile meeting of Ministers of Environment, Transport, and Energy held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The signing comes as part of the broader African Climate Summit, themed “Stimulating Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,” and attended by a distinguished assembly of heads of state, government leaders, and international organization heads.
The three-day African Climate Summit, which opened on Monday, represents a crucial turning point in the fight against climate change and its complex web of consequences. Among the prominent figures attending the summit is UN Secretary-General António Guterres, underscoring the event’s global significance.
Joseph Nganga, appointed by Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto as the chair of the summit, passionately declared, “This conference should demonstrate that Africa is not just a victim of environmental challenges but a dynamic continent brimming with innovative solutions for the world.” Nganga, affiliated with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), emphasized, “We have the capacity to respond to this crisis collaboratively. Africa, with its untapped potential, offers the world an opportunity for mutual benefit.”
Security in Nairobi was bolstered significantly, and access roads to the summit venue were temporarily closed to ensure the safety of the 30,000 participants, including delegates and visitors.
The pivotal “Nairobi Declaration,” still under negotiation, highlights Africa’s unique potential as a vital contributor to global solutions. It acknowledges the region’s abundant renewable energy resources, a burgeoning young workforce, and substantial natural wealth, including 40% of the world’s reserves of cobalt, manganese, and platinum – essential components for batteries and hydrogen production.
However, the challenges facing Africa are formidable. Approximately 500 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity, while African leaders remain focused on overcoming significant financial obstacles to sustainable development.
Media reports have drawn attention to the fact that Africa, possessing a staggering 60% of the world’s solar energy potential, currently lags behind even Belgium in its harnessing of these resources. This concern was reaffirmed by both the Kenyan President and the head of the International Energy Agency, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive action.
The signing of the Kampala Convention by the Sahrawi Republic serves as a testament to the collective commitment of African nations to address migration, environmental, and climate challenges on a regional and global scale. It represents a milestone in the ongoing Nairobi Climate Summit, offering hope that, through unity and collaboration, Africa can lead the way in solving the world’s most pressing problems.
