Agnes Kalibata appointed to COP28 President’s Advisory Committee on Climate Change

In a statement issued by AGRA on Wednesday, the continental organization announced Kalibata’s membership to the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

AGRA commended the Rwandan-born agricultural scientist for her new role expressing its confidence that Kalibata’s experience would immensely impact Climate Change.

“AGRA is proud to announce Dr Kalibata’s membership to the Advisory Committee of the President of the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),” read the statement by the Head of Communications, Jean Kiarie.

“As a member of the COP28 President’s Advisory Committee, Dr Kalibata will contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

AGRA added: “She will be involved in strategic initiatives, including working groups, task forces, and consultations, to ensure that the voices and needs of farmers and businesses are heard and incorporated into global climate policies.”

Kalibata, on her appointment, expressed her commitment and passion for contributing to the global effects of climate change as a member of the President’s advisory committee.

"I am delighted to join the COP28 President’s Advisory Committee. There is nothing today that is more important than all of us pooling together to contribute to the global effort to combat climate change," said Dr Kalibata.

"Climate change is quickly becoming the most significant challenge facing our planet, and I am committed to working with other partners and stakeholders to address this critical issue. I am committed to sharing my experience and to collaborating with other members to drive urgent and meaningful action."

She now becomes part of the team led by COP28 President Dr Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber who is also the Minister of State of the UAE and CEO of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

COP28  is a platform that brings together nations, organizations, and stakeholders from around the world to address the challenges of climate change.

The COP28 which was hosted last year by Egypt will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in November 2023.

Dr Kalibata boasts of immense experience after having successfully stewarded the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit to create a global awareness of the need to transform Food systems to be more inclusive, deliver better food and reduce environmental footprint.

She says the role will be critical and an opportunity to ‘advance Food Systems efforts in the continent and further globally’.

Dr. Kalibata has been based in Nairobi where AGRA has its headquarters.