Climate Action Summit: Africa Must Be a ‘Priority’ in Collective Action (HM the King)

New York (United Nations) – Africa must be a priority in the international collective action on environment, HM King Mohammed VI pointed out, noting that the degradation of environment poses a threat “that we must address together.”

In a message to the Climate Action Summit, which opened Monday at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Sovereign highlighted efforts made by Morocco to fight against climate changes particularly in Africa, a continent “which is suffering from the impact of climate change.”

In this respect, the first Africa Action Summit, held in Marrakech, set off an unprecedented dynamic, in particular through the operationalization of two African climate commissions, for the Congo Basin and for the Sahel Region, the monarch underlined in the message, which was read out by HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa, Chairwoman of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environment Protection.

Together with sister African nations, Morocco has also launched the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative, HM the King said, adding that the Kingdom has also set up, jointly with Ethiopia, a “Coalition for Sustainable Energy Access” for the benefit of the Least Developed Countries, particularly in Africa.

Morocco has also decided to continue accelerating its energy transition, setting the ambitious goal of securing 52% of its electricity production from renewable energy sources by 2030, the Sovereign said, adding that the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection has set up the “African Youth Climate Hub”, which aims to showcase leadership and innovation, and to underscore the positive role of African youth.

In this regard, “the first Youth Climate Summit provides reasons for optimism, requiring us to respond positively and lend our effective support,” HM the King said.

“Our ambition with respect to tackling climate change requires effective international solidarity, sustainable financing and a qualitative transfer of technology and know-how,” the Sovereign pointed out.