President Kenyatta unveiled as global champion for Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program

President Kenyatta unveiled as global champion for Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program

President Uhuru Kenyatta officially receiving an award as the global champion for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program. PHOTO| COURTESY

President Uhuru Kenyatta was on Thursday inaugurated as the Global Champion for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) which aims to raise 25 billion US dollars for investment in Africa's climate adaptation initiatives.

The President, at the event held at the University of Nairobi's Taifa Hall in Nairobi City County, was also feted by GCA for his leading role in advocacy and resource mobilization for climate change adaptation in Africa and globally.

The recognition was given to the Head of State by GCA CEO Patrick van Verkooijen who commended President Kenyatta for his sterling efforts in tackling the climate change challenge. 

"Mr. President, your strong record on standing up for Africans on climate change is well known and globally unmatched. President Kenyatta, you pioneered Kenya’s commitment to land degradation neutrality, ratified the Paris Agreement and made Kenya one of the first countries globally to announce and submit very ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution targets,’’ he said.

In his acceptance speech, President Kenyatta noted that most of the socio-economic challenges facing Africa are attributable to climate change and pledged his full commitment to advancing the continent's adaptation agenda.

"I am fully committed to driving forward the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme.  The adaptation agenda, especially in Africa, is crying for bold and visionary leadership.  This is because the continent of Africa has been the most adversely affected continent by climate change.  And, as such, for Africa, adaptation to climate change is not just important but a survival strategy," he said.

The Head of State said the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) is a bold and creative platform that lays a broad and firm foundation for economic growth while at the same time containing the impact of climate shocks.

Over the last year, GCA has already mainstreamed adaptation solutions into US$3 billion worth of investments on the ground. With its partners, AAAP is expected to mobilize $25 billion for adaptation in Africa over the next five years.

During the event, GCA also launched a strategic AAAP partnership with the University of Nairobi that will be supported by a grant of 140 million Kenyan Shillings. Through this partnership, GCA and the University will shape investments to climate-proof Kenya’s infrastructure, unlock climate finance, and create green jobs for Kenya’s youth.

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