Leaders from Africa, South Korea, and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have united in a strong call for global cooperation to tackle two pressing issues: the climate finance gap and plastic pollution. This collaborative effort aims to secure a better and greener future for everyone. Despite Africa being the most vulnerable continent to climate change, it receives less than 12% of the $300 billion needed annually to address the climate crisis effectively.
A Crucial Gathering
On June 4, during the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, the High-level Forum on Accelerating Access to Green and Climate Finance for Africa and the Forum on Enhancing Sustainability and Global Collaboration on Plastics took place. These forums brought together 220 participants, including policymakers, political leaders, researchers, and green growth advocates from Africa, South Korea, and beyond.
The Need for Climate Finance
Key Points from the Forum:
- Significant Funding Required: H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko emphasized the need for substantial climate finance to meet ambitious emission reduction targets. Africa needs a continuous flow of financial and technical resources from various sources, including public and private sectors.
- Innovative Solutions: To increase climate finance, innovative financial instruments and business models must be promoted to mobilize private-sector funding on a large scale.
- Urgency Highlighted: H.E. Ban Ki-Moon pointed out the severe consequences of climate crises in Africa, citing recent extreme weather events as urgent calls for action. Collaboration across sectors, national borders, and generations is crucial.
Addressing Plastic Pollution
Strategies Discussed:
- Reducing Plastic Use: Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, highlighted the importance of minimizing plastic use and promoting alternatives.
- Accountability: There is a need to hold producers and importers accountable for sustainable environmental practices.
- Global Treaty: H.E. Roger Baro from Burkina Faso called for a legally binding global treaty on plastics to ensure regulatory measures are implemented worldwide.
Actions and Exhibitions
The forums also featured an immersive exhibition by GGGI, focusing on Korea-Africa relations and the importance of artistic and scientific expressions in promoting green growth.
Key Quotes from Leaders
- H.E. Sang-Hyup Kim: “The Republic of Korea is committed to working with African partners to combat climate change by scaling up financial resources.”
- Dr. Frank Rijsberman: “International cooperation is vital to developing comprehensive approaches to plastic pollution and achieving sustainability.”
- Prof. Seok-Wan Kim: “We must reduce our reliance on plastics, design eco-friendly products, and improve recycling systems.”
Conclusion
The forums underscored the importance of global collaboration to accelerate access to climate finance and address plastic pollution. By working together, nations can ensure a sustainable future for all.
