Morocco, Vice-president of African Union Sub-committee on Environmental Issues

Addis Ababa – Morocco has been designated vice-president of the African Union’s sub-committee on Environmental Issues, which held its first meeting Tuesday by videoconference on its action plan.

The objective of this structure in charge of environmental issues will be to work together with specialized institutions in the field of the environment in order to strengthen African adaptation initiatives, as well as the continent’s strategies in the face of challenges that threaten the environment.

The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), ambassador Mohammed Arrouchi, who was speaking at the meeting, stressed that opting for Morocco as vice-chairman of the sub-committee reflects the Kingdom’s proven expertise, commitment and progress, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, on issues related to the environment, particularly renewable energies and climate change.

Referring to the sub-committee’s plan of action, the Moroccan diplomat highlighted the three climate commissions and the Triple A Initiative created at the initiative of HM the King, which have received wide recognition and strong support, particularly through the decisions of the heads of State at the last AU Summit, while calling for their inclusion in the sub-committee’s work program in order to ensure institutional support for their full and effective operationalization.

In this regard, Arrouchi stressed the need to work within this sub-committee and with partners and specialized institutions to mobilize funding for these African initiatives.

He also called for the implementation of the proposal to organize a Summit on Climate Change at the level of heads of State and government, following a meeting of African experts, in order to constitute a platform of African expertise on climate change.