3rd Edition of the One Planet Summit: Africa’s Pledge (Nairobi, 14 March 2019)
Responding to the invitation of President Kenyatta of Kenya, President Macron of France, UN Secretary-General Guterres and President Kim of the World Bank Group, the coalitions of the “One Planet Summit” will meet in Nairobi, Kenya on March 14th.
Building on previous One Planet events (Paris, December 2017 and New York, September 2018), this third edition of the One Planet Summit will gather committed African leaders, entrepreneurs, donors, international organizations and other stakeholders coming from all parts of societies and institutions. The objective is to accelerate and step-up climate action to deliver high-impact outcomes for African populations and to protect biodiversity in Africa.
While Africa is responsible for only 4% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, 65% of the African population is considered to be directly impacted by climate change. This first regional edition of the One Planet Summit will therefore highlight the unique role of Africa as a global partner facing both challenges and opportunities, in particular in the field of innovative solutions for adaptation and resilience. The Summit will bring together high-level officials, CEOs and inspiring voices from youth, and civil society to showcase concrete achievements and breakthrough initiatives, and trigger new coalitions and commitments.
Designed as a full day of High-Level conversations and Coalition building for Climate and Environmental action in Africa, the event will start just before the opening of the high-level segment of UNEA-4, in a dedicated venue on the UN Compound in Nairobi, on March 14, from 9 am to 5 pm.
High-Level Session
Co-chaired by Presidents Macron and Kenyatta, this High-Level Session will gather Heads of State and Ministers already involved in OPS coalitions or heading national delegation to UNEA-4 as well as representatives of the finance and the business sectors, local governments, civil society, and youth. The session will tackle two main issues: promoting renewable energy and fostering resilience, adaptation and biodiversity.
Resources and solutions for renewable energy already exist in Africa but there is a need to accelerate their financing and mainstream their development. Similarly, there are a lot of solutions on the African continent when it comes to integrated land management, increased resilience for vulnerable populations and biodiversity protection.
Businesses and Partnerships
Lunch time will provide an opportunity to showcase the diversity and dynamism of African entrepreneurs with several “pitch sessions” celebrating the most innovative and impactful initiatives (including women entrepreneurship, digital and technological innovation, etc.). Development banks and OPS coalitions will also highlight “deals” and projects and invite new partners to join these initiatives.
Sectoral Deep Dives
The afternoon will be dedicated to break-out sessions chaired by Ministers and high-level officials to discuss key sectoral issues and to deepen and expand the OPS Coalitions’ work programme, e.g. International Solar Alliance, Scaling Solar, turning NDCs into investments, plastics coalition, etc.