By Aliu Akoshile, in Baku
The gigantic Africa Pavilion at the venue of the UN COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, was the cynosure of eyes as it played host to high-level conversations on sustainable climate solutions agenda for Africa.
This was courtesy of the investment made by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in co-hosting the Pavilion, which stood solidly as a symbol of African unity at the global conference.
As the foremost multilateral development finance institution in the world, the AfDB has, through this singular action of co-hosting the continental hub, reaffirmed its leadership position globally.
Atop the remarkable sideline events hosted at the Pavilion was the COP29 Bilateral Meeting between AfDB and the Government of the Netherlands at which the Bank’s President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina was ably represented by the Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, Prof. Anthony Nyong.
The Dutch Government was represented by Dr. Afke van Rijn, Director General for Environment and International Affairs, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Resources, Netherlands.
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This top-level bilateral meeting was followed by another exhilarating sideline event on “African Green and Inclusive Future” with a thematic focus on “climate and biodiversity solutions in the AfDB’s ten-year strategy.”
As a high-level programme of the African Development Bank, the dialogue was headlined by senior executives of the Bank, Prof. Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth Department, and Dr. Martin Fregene, Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department of the Bank.
The pavilion also hosted a Continental African Water Investment Programme, which witnessed the launch of AU-AIP Green Climate Fund Multi-country Readiness Project. This was put together by the African Union in partnership with the Green Climate Fund and Global Water Partnership.
A high-level dialogue on climate finance and resilience for SIDS was also held at the African Pavilion. Themed as Consolidating Strategic Partnership for climate resilience and equitable finance for Africa SIDS, it was aptly coordinated by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Indian Ocean Commission, and Ideas For a Propserous Africa.
Closely related was another dialogue held at the African Pavilion on the theme: Aquatic Food for Climate Resilient Blue Economy in Africa. This was put together by the African Union, Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the Earfish/Afrifish-net.
Another crucial dialogue that was held at the African Pavilion was focused on carbon market. The dialogue’s theme was a prodding question: Are global carbon markets ready to take off, and what does it mean for Africa? This was organised by Island Carbon Consult, SECDEX Group, and Zero 13 organisation.
Other co-hosts of the imposing African Pavilion at the Baku COP29 are the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Union Development Agency (AU-NEPAD), and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
