Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Republic of Kenya and the Chairperson of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC),

Mr. Amme Mohamedy, Embassy of Mauritania in Addis Ababa and Permanent Representative to the African Union, representing the Chairperson of the African Union,

Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic and Counsellor Corps,

Esteemed Representatives of AU Member States, and Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs),

H.E. Mr Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union,

Esteemed Representatives of the Africa Climate Commissions and the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change,

Colleagues from the AU Commission Departments of Agriculture, Rural Development and Blue Economy (DARBE) and, Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS),

Distinguished partners,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honour to welcome you today on behalf of Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, to the AU Member States Consultation Workshop on Developing the Common African Position on Climate Change, Peace, and Security.

Our gathering today highlights the urgent need to address the devastating impacts of climate change on peace, security, and development in Africa. Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, our continent is acutely vulnerable to climate-related crises, especially in communities already facing instability and conflict.

Climate change disrupts fragile regions, impeding progress towards the 'Africa we want” as espoused in the Agenda 2063 Therefore, it is essential to recognise the intricate links between climate change, peace, and security. The Common African Position on Climate Change, Peace, and Security will empower member states to tackle these challenges, improve early warning systems, and build a unified voice in international engagements.

The Africa Climate Security Risk Assessment (ACRA) Study emphasises that climate change threats undermine human security and escalate conflict in our regions. Addressing forced displacement, water scarcity, and food insecurity is critical to achieving peace and stability.

Hon Minister,

Excellencies and esteemed participants,

Since 2018, the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Blue Economy, have made strides in integrating climate considerations into member States' policies and fostering collaboration among regional economic communities and regional mechanisms (RECs/RMs). We have collectively identified the imperative to strengthen the links between early warning systems and climate security actions.

Africa leads in climate security, as shown by our contributions at COP 27 with the Climate Responses for Peace, the COP 28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace, and the forthcoming COP 29. To advance our efforts, we must establish strategic priorities for climate action and clearly define our roles in global frameworks, including the Loss and Damage Fund and climate finance goals.

Esteemed Participants,

Excellencies and esteemed participants,

The Common African Position will outline our commitment to addressing local conflicts and vulnerabilities while fostering collaboration and coordination. Our approach must be informed by science and the distinct needs of our continent.

I would like to thank H.E President William Ruto for his consistent and stellar leadership of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). Our gratitude also goes to the Government and People of Kenya for hosting this consultative deliberations towards the development of a Common African Position on Climate Change, Peace and Security.

I would also like to thank the Chairperson of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change for their dedication and commitment to Africa’s interests and aspirations on the global stage. The destiny of 1 billion people is in your hands. History will judge you well if you effectively execute the mandate entrusted to you. We implore you to scale up the climate and security dimensions in your overall engagements on these important aspects of Africa’s development and security.

We express our gratitude to our partners, including the German Development Cooperation Office, Training for Peace, The Alliance of Bioversity International, and Adelphi, for their invaluable technical support to the AU, and the governments of Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom who have generously provided financial support.

Thank you for your commitment to this vital workshop. Together, I am confident that we will achieve fruitful outcomes in our deliberations towards finding a Common African Position on Climate Change, Peace and Security.

I thank you all for your kind attention.

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