French President Emmanuel Macron has praised President William Ruto for his climate action initiatives ahead of the Africa Climate Summit to be held in Nairobi.
In his address to ambassadors on France foreign policy priorities, Macron said he supports Ruto's efforts towards climate protection ahead of the Nairobi summit to be held from September 4-6.
"A meeting will be held by Kenya in a few weeks, President Ruto is committed to that effort and I commend him for that. France will stand alongside him," he said.
Kenya will host the Africa Climate Summit alongside this year's Africa Climate Week which will run from September 4-8.
An estimated 30,000 delegates are expected to attend the event including over 25 Heads of State and government, high-level representatives of development partners and international institutions, as well as subject experts.
Ruto has been vocal in calling for collective action towards mitigating the worsening effects of climate change.
He has also been advocating for increased inclusion of African voices at global discussions on climate change and increased financing for climate change mitigation efforts in Africa.
Ruto said despite Africa being the least contributor to climate change, it's the most vulnerable to its effects yet the continent receives a disproportionate portion of global climate finance compared to other regions.
Macron said he will support efforts to rectify the situation during the Nairobi summit where a new financing formula on climate change.
"We will roll out the Paris Agreement...we will have new financing arrangements, newer faster tools, we will mobilise the private sector as well," he said.
"We will also build new ambitions when it comes to energy, France will drive a very clear agenda to protect the continent."
During the New Global Pact Summit in France on June 22, Ruto was candid in calling for a fair financing model that would save poor countries like Kenya the pain of paying higher interest on loans than richer economies.
Ruto discouraged the control of resources by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank whose rules he said are unfavourable to Africa because the continent has no say on governance and sharing of resources.
Macron, who was present during a panel discussion, commended Ruto for his courageous approach to the matter saying “I love having bold people and I take the point”.
