Statement by

H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat

Chairperson of the African Union Commission

On the Occasion of the Meeting of the Committee of African Heads of States and Government on Climate Change

6 February 2022

I wish to welcome you all to the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Governments on Climate Change (CAHOSCC)  taking place in in person at the African Union Headquarters and virtually.

Before proceeding, please allow me to express our profound gratitude to the outgoing CAHOSCC Coordinator H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa for steering and leading this esteemed Committee for the past two years. I would also like to warmly welcome H.E Macky Sall president of the Republic of Senegal as the incoming Coordinator of CAHOSCC for the next two years.

Excellencies, I would like to also recognize the contributions of other members of the Committee for their strong commitment and continued engagement on climate change issues at the continental and international levels. The continued engagement by members of the Committee along with efforts to highlight the interconnectedness between climate change and other factors such as peace and security, conservation of nature and development facilitated the Committee’s work in guiding our Climate Change Negotiators at both the Ministerial and Experts levels.

The political support from the Committee boosted their confidence and solidarity in the global negotiations as evidenced at the Glasgow Climate Conference. I say a big thank you to all of you.

Excellencies, I am also pleased that this meeting will also receive updates from the three African Climate Commissions and the Continental Adaptation Initiatives. We are pleased to see the progress made since their launch as African Flagships at CoP 21 in Paris and CoP 22 in Marrakesh.

Excellencies,  on a personal note, I feel proud that Africa remains a strong force in the Climate Negotiations through the political leadership provided by CAHOSCC and guidance by AMCEN to our Negotiators at the expert level. In order to maintain this unity of purpose, it remains important that the AGN and the Commission are in continuous dialogue and engagement.

Excellencies, As Africa engages itself in domesticating the Paris Agreement. As we are all aware, the Paris Agreement sets an ambitious target by agreeing to hold the increase in the global average temperature to “well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels” and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. It is truly gratifying to note that all African countries submitted ambitious targets under their NDCs. I believe that with adequate financial and technical support, member States will be on track to fulfil their commitments and obligations under the Paris agreement.

Excellencies, Addressing climate change challenges contributes to the attainment of the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Bearing in mind the enormous risks posed by climate change to Africa’s development, I am pleased that another item that will be considered at this meeting is the AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan to guide, coordinate and support the Continent’s response to Climate Change for the period 2022-2032. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all member States for their support and valuable input that led to the finalization of the Strategy.

Additionally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Democratic Republic of Congo for co-hosting the Africa Day Event at COP 26 and to all member States for honoring our invitation to the Africa Day. The success of the event demonstrated Africa’s solidarity and commitment to work in unity towards a common cause.

Excellencies, as I conclude, I wish to congratulate Egypt on its new role as the incoming CoP President. Indeed we all look forward to a continued engagement with Egypt in the lead up to and at CoP27 to ensure that Africa’s special needs are prioritized. Through the CAHOSCC and the CoP27 president, we look forward to a strong engagement and collaboration will all relevant stakeholders including the civil society, the private sector, women and the youth.

I would also like to reiterate the unflinching commitment of the African Union Commission to continue to support Member States, engage with relevant stakeholders towards a successful CoP27 and a climate resilient continent.

Excellencies,  I thank you all for your kind attention and wish the Committee fruitful and successful deliberations at this meeting and a prosperous 2022.

Thank you.