Kenyan President, Okonjo-Iweala to discuss African leadership on climate change
The Africa Center in partnership with Global Citizen, Climate Action Platform Africa (CAP-A), and the Government of Kenya will host a discussion between Kenyan President William Ruto and World Trade Organization Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Climate Positive Growth, Investment, and Trade Frameworks for an African Led World.
The conversation will take place today, (September 19, 2023) at 9am to 11am EST at The Africa Center at Aliko Dangote Hall, located at 1280 5th Ave in New York City.
The conversation will be live-streamed at theafricacenter.org, and on The Africa Center’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The program will be available on Global Citizen’s YouTube page following the event.
CEO of The Africa Center, Uzodinma Iweala said: “We are thrilled and honoured to have President Ruto and WTO D.G. Okonjo-Iweala join us for this critical conversation at The Africa Center. Recognising and investing in Africa’s leadership on climate change is not just a matter of environmental responsibility, it is a testament to the continent’s resilience, innovation, and its unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.
“Africa isn’t just adapting to the impacts of climate change, it’s ready and willing to help shape the narrative of our planet’s future. I firmly believe that by acknowledging and harnessing this leadership, we not only protect our planet but also elevate the global stage for African voices, wisdom, and solutions in this fight.”
Chief Growth Officer at Global Citizen, Caralene Robinson said: “Africa is where climate change, poverty and inequity are having the greatest impact. By 2050, a quarter of the world’s entire population will be African and it will be the world’s youngest continent. The moment is now to unlock opportunity, catalyse inclusive growth to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Since 2018 Global Citizen has run several campaigns across the continent and we look forward to further expanding our efforts over the coming year. We are proud to be co-hosting this important discussion with H.E. President Ruto of Kenya and WTO D.G. Okonjo-Iweala, highlighting how the new climate positive global trade frameworks can enable Africa to become a leader in green innovation and technology.”
Founder of CAP-A and Founder and CEO of Africa Climate Ventures, James Mwangi said: “Climate action in Africa is not just possible and potentially highly competitive, it is indispensable: Africa needs to be net negative to achieve net zero global ambitions by 2050. Conversely, Africa needs climate action as a critical driver for economic transformation and job creation at scale. A transition to a green economy will not happen of its own accord. It requires concerted effort and focused leadership. We are honored to bring together perspectives from H.E. President Ruto and WTO D.G. Okonjo-Iweala on the investment case for Climate Positive Growth.”