By Adedapo Adesanya
The Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the President of Kenya, Mr William Ruto, will hold a discussion on positive climate growth, investment, and trade in Africa tomorrow (Tuesday, September 19).
The conversation, hosted by the Africa Center in partnership with Global Citizen, Climate Action Platform Africa (CAP-A), and the Government of Kenya, will take place at The Africa Center at Aliko Dangote Hall in New York City.
Speaking on the programme, Mr Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of The Africa Center, said the conversation was coming at a time when Africa is prioritising discussions around climate change impacts and the need to seek solutions.
“We are thrilled and honoured to have President Ruto and WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala join us for this critical conversation at The Africa Center. Recognizing and investing in Africa’s leadership on climate change is not just a matter of environmental responsibility; it’s a testament to the continent’s resilience, innovation, and 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,” he said.
On her part, Ms Caralene Robinson, Chief Growth Officer at Global Citizen, 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 and 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.”
For Mr James Mwangi, Founder of CAP-A and Founder and CEO of Africa Climate Ventures, “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 honoured to bring together perspectives from H.E. President Ruto and WTO D.G. Okonjo-Iweala on the investment case for Climate Positive Growth.”
The conversation will be live-streamed at theafricacenter.org, and on The Africa Center’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The programme will be available on Global Citizen’s YouTube page following the event.
Business Post Contributor 
Dipo Olowookere