By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Countdown to the 28th session of United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) scheduled for Dubai, United Arab Emirates later in November, a call has been made for consideration of special circumstances and needs of the African continent.
The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) made the call during the official opening of a Pre-COP28 Strategy Meeting organised by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) in Nairobi, Kenya
AGN Chair Ephraim Mwepya Shitima said African stakeholders should not lose focus of the key principle of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capacities (CBDR-RC).
CBDR–RC acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change, and Shitima believes the equity principle takes into consideration and safeguards Africa’s interests and unique circumstances as a continent that contributes negligently to global emissions and yet suffers the most due to its low capacity to adapt to adverse effects of climate change.
“As you deliberate on the various themes during this crucial meeting, I urge you to keep in mind our special circumstances as Africa and the need for us to be allowed policy space and support to achieve sustainable development,” Shitima told delegates from over 31 African countries who are attending the meeting. “The equity principle is very important as it takes into consideration and safeguards our interests and unique circumstances as a continent that contributes just about four percent to global emissions and yet suffers the most,” he said in a speech read for him by AGN Communication Specialist, Friday Phiri.
As the global conversation on the just transition gains momentum, Africa has repeatedly noted the importance for Africa to be accorded policy space required to develop and means of implementation support to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
