Joy ShikwatiGovernor Johnson Sakaja welcomed over 250 African city leaders, including mayors, policymakers, investors, and business leaders, to the Green & Resilient Urban shift Africa Forum on Monday. The event, held at the UN Headquarters in Nairobi, emphasized the urgent need for climate financing and sustainable urban development across the continent.
A Call for Climate Financing and Urban Transformation
The forum, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and hosted by C40 Cities, brought together key global organizations such as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and ICLEI. Governor Sakaja highlighted Africa’s vast potential for transformation, stating, “Africa’s young population presents a significant opportunity to reshape the reality for many cities and residents.”
With African cities increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events like floods and droughts, the forum underscored the critical need for financial support to match the ambitious climate goals set by local leaders. “African city leaders are demonstrating remarkable leadership but need financial support to match their ambition. It’s time for governments and investors to step up,” Sakaja reiterated.
Progress and Challenges in Climate Resilience
Recent research by WRI showcased African cities’ progress in adopting climate solutions. Over the past decade, nearly 300 nature-based projects for climate resilience have been initiated across sub-Saharan Africa, securing over $21 billion in funding. However, more than 80% of these projects have relied on grants, highlighting the need for innovative funding mechanisms to sustain long-term efforts.
Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division, emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and sub-national governments. “National climate action plans, co-developed with sub-national governments, can empower cities to mobilize resources and funding for more effective implementation, protection of urban residents, and low-carbon, resilient development.”
A Roadmap for Sustainable Finance
The forum also marked the launch of a new *Roadmap on Sustainable Finance Action and Advocacy for Global South Cities*. This initiative aims to help mayors access funding and advocate for fiscal decentralization, ensuring that cities have the resources needed to implement sustainable urban development projects.
Charting a New Course for Africa’s Urban Future
The Green & Resilient Urban shift Africa Forum is expected to pave the way for stronger partnerships between city leaders, national governments, and global investors. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the forum aims to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient cities across Africa.
As African cities continue to grow, events like the Urban shift Forum are critical in addressing the dual challenges of urbanization and climate change. With the right support and investment, Africa’s cities can become global leaders in sustainable development, setting an example for the rest of the world.
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