Zambia has urged for fair and just outcomes for African nations at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The highly anticipated event, scheduled from November 30 to December 12, will convene in the dynamic city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ephraim Shitima, the distinguished director of the Department of Climate Change and Green Economy in the Zambian Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, emphasized that COP28 must deliver ambitious, balanced, fair, and just outcomes to steer the global trajectory towards effective climate change mitigation and adaptation.
As the Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, Shitima addressed the 19th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment and Natural Resources, underlining the urgency of equitable climate solutions. He noted the alarming statistic that 60 percent of African countries lack access to early warning systems, underscoring the need for enhanced preparedness. Central to his discourse was the significance of grant-based financing for sub-Saharan Africa, essential for fortifying both mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Africa’s clarion call revolves around the adoption of a robust decision within the work program on just transition pathways. Shitima advocated for a decision that not only strengthens the global climate response within the framework of sustainable development but also operationalizes equity across mitigation, adaptation, and finance under the Paris Agreement. This decision, he stressed, should account for Africa’s unique developmental circumstances and ensure a seamless shift towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
An imperative facet of Zambia’s stance is the emphasis on the commitment of developed nations. Shitima asserted the need for substantial financial commitments and the resolution of the lingering deficit in delivering the long-promised 100 million U.S. dollars annually since 2000. Furthermore, Shitima called for comprehensive reform of multilateral development banks to better align with the climate challenges ahead. He emphasized the necessity of enhancing scale, affordability, and accessibility, all while safeguarding the interests of developing countries.
Zambia’s position as the chair of the African group equips it with a significant role in safeguarding Africa’s interests in the climate negotiation process. This pledge from Shitima underscores Zambia’s determination to advocate for fair and just outcomes that resonate beyond the continent’s borders.
As COP28 approaches, the global community awaits with bated breath to witness the outcome of this influential gathering. The echoes of Zambia’s passionate appeal resonate as a reminder that the pursuit of equitable climate solutions is not merely a regional concern but a global imperative. As world leaders converge in Dubai, the hope is that collaborative action will pave the way for a sustainable and climate-resilient future for all.
