Good morning!
As we gather here today in the iconic city of Nairobi for the 68th meeting of the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF68), I am filled with a profound sense of purpose and urgency.
On behalf of IGAD, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to each of you, our fellow journeymen and women, for your commitment over the past quarter of a century to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change.
This meeting is not just a continuation of our discussions; it is a vital opportunity for us to reflect on our past commitments, assess our progress, and renew our resolve to act decisively for the future of our region.
Indeed, it is our discussions on this GHACOF platform that gave birth to our very own IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC). IGAD remains grateful to you, our partners, who, through your fulsome support, aided ICPAC in being officially designated as a World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Regional Climate Centre seven years ago in 2017, thereby allowing us to serve as a hub for climate information and services across 11 countries in the Greater Horn of Africa.
GHACOF, with the invaluable technical input of ICPAC, has evolved into a critical platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and resilience building. Your contributions have been instrumental in this evolution, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.
Reflecting on GHACOF67 and Climate Change in the Greater Horn of Africa
As IGAD, we have a solemn duty and sacred mandate to always draw international attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on our continent. Although Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, we bear the greatest brunt of its effects.
The latest climate monitoring reports show that Africa is undoubtedly affected by climate change, with the continent experiencing temperature increases of 1.5 times the global average. In the Greater Horn of Africa, we have witnessed an alarming increase in extreme weather events, including droughts and floods, which have devastated livelihoods and exacerbated food insecurity.
As a consequence, the most vulnerable communities, such as subsistence farmers and pastoralists, are indiscriminately affected, facing loss of livelihoods, higher rates of illness, and death. These challenges strain the economy, cause displacement, and lead to health issues and even carry political ramifications, thereby hindering the region’s development and resilience.
In 2023 alone, Kenya experienced catastrophic flooding that resulted in over 289 fatalities and displaced thousands. Other members state too continue to experience similar challenges. Such events are not isolated; they are a testament to the urgent need for comprehensive climate action.
This is why, earlier this year at GHACOF67, we made significant commitments to enhance our climate resilience and response measures. We recognised the urgent need for early warning systems and underscored the importance of translating climate data into actionable insights. We also pledged to improve our collaboration across member states and with international partners to ensure that our communities are better prepared for the impacts of climate variability.
Despite these commitments, our true test lies in the task ahead. Data from the Regional Food Security and Nutrition Working Group (FSNWG), co-led by IGAD and the UN-FAO, reports that an estimated 56.5 million people in the region face elevated levels of acute food insecurity and require urgent humanitarian assistance.
Malnutrition is also a significant concern, with over 11 million children under the age of five estimated to be acutely malnourished across the region, a situation that demands our immediate attention and action.
Our Call to Action
As we embark on the discussions of GHACOF68, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have guided us for the past 26 years. We must prioritise integrating climate information into our national policies and development plans.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the IGAD Member States for their unwavering collaboration in this area. Like many of the other challenges we now face in our integrated world, climate change does not recognize borders; therefore, efforts to address it should be equally united and inclusive.
Let us harness the power of new technologies and traditional knowledge to build resilient communities. By investing in sustainable agricultural practices, improving water management, and enhancing early warning systems, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a secure future for our people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the challenges we face are immense, so are the opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Together, we can transform our commitments into tangible actions that lead to a more resilient Greater Horn of Africa.
Let us seize this moment to reaffirm our dedication to climate action and to the well-being of our communities. The future of our region depends on our collective efforts today.
As I end my remarks, I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to our hosts, the Government of the Republic of Kenya, all IGAD Member States, our dedicated partners, and the entire team at ICPAC and IGAD.
Your relentless enthusiasm and unwavering commitment have made this forum a reality. Our progress and accomplishments would not have been feasible without your steadfast devotion and collaborative endeavours.
Wishing you all fruitful deliberations ahead.
Thank you.
