The Africa Experts Strategic Meeting on the seventh Assessment Cycle (AR7) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has convened in Nairobi.
The convention scheduled for March 20 to 22 will represent a pivotal opportunity for Africa to assert its role and engagement in the global climate agenda.
Speaking during the opening, the Team Lead at Africa Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) George Wamukoya said Africa's participation in the assessment cycle is essential.
"Africa's participation in the IPCC's assessment cycles is essential for ensuring that the continent's unique challenges and perspectives are adequately addressed," Wamukoya said.
He said as we confront the escalating impacts of climate change, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions, it is imperative that Africa contributes fully.
Wamukoya said we could do so by the generation of knowledge and the formulation of strategies to build resilience and mitigate risks.
As the world confronts unprecedented environmental crises, notably exemplified by escalating temperatures, the forthcoming AR7 cycle assumes unprecedented significance in guiding effective climate action.
"Through collaborative efforts and strategic planning, we can harness Africa's expertise to drive impactful change and pave the way for a more sustainable future," he said.
The gathering serves to leverage Africa's expertise and experiences from past assessment cycles.
It is aimed at focusing on refining strategies to address unique challenges, particularly in bolstering urban resilience and bridging knowledge gaps specific to the continent's context.
With a diverse coalition of stakeholders, IPCC officials, AR6 lead authors, and experts across various climate-related domains, the meeting underscores Africa's determination to drive meaningful change amidst climate adversity.
The event also aims to empower African nations to influence global climate policies effectively.
The IPCC is a leading global institution in assessing and disseminating scientific findings on human-induced climate change.
