The newly elected Chair of the African Group of Negotiators has called for African countries to work together to secure vital goals at climate negotiations. Writing for African Arguments, Ali Mohamed emphasised the need for adequate climate finance for adaptation measures, and global financial reforms that consider the needs of the most vulnerable communities. For African countries, debt burdens, unfair lending practices and perceived risk tie up funds that could go towards resilience building, sustainable development and the green transition. “For Africa therefore, climate negotiations ought to, foremost, tackle these injustices and the intensifying climate impacts that undermine our economic prospects. We must also strongly advocate for adequate support to unlock our continent’s massive potential,” says Mohamed. With a new climate finance goal on the table for COP29 discussions, it is imperative that developing countries work together to secure an agreement that benefits their people.
