Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa has said it is African countries’ responsibility to safeguard their citizens from the adverse effects of climate change and underscored the need for the continent to unite and share ideas and technologies to combat the environmental crisis.
Speaking at the official opening of the inaugural International Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) held in Harare today, President Mnangagwa said despite African countries’ call for global action and financial support, they must lead in protecting their citizens against climate change, while championing the continent’s economic development and growth.
The three-day conference, which is being hosted by the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, brings together a diverse group of over 400 participants from around the world, including representatives from at least 36 African governments and 60 early career researchers.
“Whilst we call for global action, international cooperation, financial support as well as the growing realisation of Africa to work towards inclusive and sustainable development, unite us to act now,” President Mnangagwa said.
“The concrete manifestation of the deeply rooted Pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, progress and collective prosperity must see us as the African Continent playing our part in confronting and reversing climate change.
“We cannot, and must not, wait for others to lead. Through such pivotal platforms, let us commit to concrete action, exchange innovative ideas and technologies as well as share experiences. The ‘right to protect our citizenry’ can never be delegated.
“As African nations, we must be at the forefront of protecting our people, our flora and fauna, while advancing our development aspirations and livelihoods.
“The decisions we make at this conference should, thus, pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable and prosperous Africa, where no one and no place is left behind.
“We must build climate-resilient health systems that can adapt to and shield our people, health workforce and systems from hazards.”
At global stages, President Mnangagwa said, African countries should be united and speak with one voice to advance economic development and aspirations of the local people.
He said the conference plays a crucial role as it determines the continent’s future in climate and health.
President Mnanagwa said: “As we prepare for COP29 and look ahead to COP32, Africa must once again stand united. We must advance our development agenda, framed by our aspirations and driven by the actions of our people.
“The outcomes of this conference must play a crucial role in shaping Africa’s future at the intersection of climate and health.
“Together, and in line with initiatives by being made by other African countries and the developing world, we will publish the Harare Africa Health and Climate Declaration, a firm commitment to building health resilience in the face of climate change.
“As we move forward, we must do so with unity and solidarity. This is Africa’s moment to stand tall with a unified voice and clear, concise key messages that reflect our collective aspirations.”
He called for Africa to immediately scale up multi- sectoral cooperation to fight the root causes of climate change, increase climate change financing, building resilience, adaptation capacity as well as integrating climate justice.
Online Reporter