Raila criticizes 'ineffectiveness' of global climate negotiations

Speaking at the launch of a stakeholders' meeting for the Africa Green Climate Finance National Designated Authorities Network (AfDAN) and Building Climate Resilience of the Urban Poor (BCRUP) focal points from select African countries in Nairobi, Odinga emphasized the need for more intentional and results-oriented negotiations.

Despite nearly three decades of the Conference of the Parties (COP) engaging developed and developing countries in climate discussions, Odinga noted a persistent lack of significant progress. He highlighted the frustrations faced by African negotiators, who often encounter unfulfilled promises and unproductive dialogue with their developed country counterparts.

In his address to the Pan-African Green Climate financing conference, Odinga called for reforms in how African countries participate in climate negotiations and urged stakeholders to support these changes should he become the AUC Chair.

“To address the devastating impacts of climate change, we cannot continue with a Business-as-Usual approach,” Odinga stated. “It is crucial that we change the rules of the game, and I strongly believe that AfDAN is a key player in this transformation. AfDAN, therefore, has a critical role in supporting the African Union Commission’s commitment to climate action.”

Odinga also criticized climate change offenders for their empty rhetoric and lack of implementation of agreed solutions. He urged African nations to unite and hold these offenders accountable.

“Africa is a victim, not the perpetrator,” he said. “For instance, Kenya has faced severe flooding this year. Offenders attend climate conferences and make lofty promises without delivering results. We need a mechanism to hold them accountable. Their repeated failures to honor their commitments must be addressed. If elected, I aim to use my position to change this narrative.”

The Conference of the Parties has been held annually for nearly 30 years since the Rio Summit and the launch of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The COP brings together member countries to set ambitions, allocate responsibilities, and evaluate climate measures.

In response to the need for increased climate finance, African countries established the Africa Green Climate Finance National Designated Authorities Network (AfDAN) to mobilize and expedite access to climate funding for the continent.