President William Ruto has urged the international community to form a huge coalition for collective climate action. This call was rallied during the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) at UNEP Headquarters in Gigiri which was concluded on 1st March 2024.
The President expressed concerns over the escalating adverse impacts of climate change, which pose significant threats to humanity. The crises highlighted by UNEA-6 now referred to as the triple planetary crisis are climate, pollution, and biodiversity loss that the world at large is grappling to address.
He said despite increased awareness and efforts, global greenhouse gas emissions are still on the rise.
“Pollution patterns are veering in an alarming direction and biodiversity is confronted with escalating threats along with the risk of an accelerating rate of loss,” he said.
Additionally, the President said: “Undoubtedly, we collectively appreciate this predicament, yet our track record on course correcting is mixed.” The Head of State said UN Member States must work together to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
“No economy, community, or nation can tackle these challenges single-handedly with any hope of success,” he said.
At the same time, President Ruto urged the global community to support Africa’s position that the Secretariat of the Treaty be headquartered at UNEP.
Presidents and vice presidents from African countries attending the UNEA-6
According to Leila Benali, President of UNEA-6 and Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development for the Kingdom of Morocco, this is an opportunity for the world to revitalize its commitment toward addressing these crises that continue to be severe.
“I hope that the UN Environment Assembly will demonstrate that challenges are best addressed when the community of nations and citizens of the world join forces with an open mind. Our efforts today will be crucial to secure our world – for the benefit of people and the planet,” said Leila.
Present were Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Brice Oligui (Gabon), Vice-Presidents (Kembo Mohadi (Zimbabwe), Moussa Al-Kouni (Libya), Prime Ministers Abiy Ahmed (Ethiopia), Gervais Ndirakobuca (Burundi), Russell Dlamini (Eswatini), and Edouard Ngirente (Rwanda).
Also present were Ms. Leila Benali, President of UNEA 6, United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis, UNEP Director-General Inger Andersen, and President of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Paula Narvaez.