The former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, has revealed a groundbreaking initiative with the potential to bring climate-resilient food security and food systems transformation to millions in Africa and the Middle East.
Speaking at the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, Ban Ki-Moon introduced the “Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative,” expected to mobilize at least $10 billion through public-private partnerships, benefiting millions of people.
He emphasized that this collaborative approach aligns notably with global aspirations, specifically focusing on the priorities of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) – Zero Hunger, and the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28).
“If realized, the initiative, referred to as the ‘Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative,’ will focus on scaling up climate-resilient agriculture and food systems transformation for economic development in the two regions,” he stated.
Ban Ki-Moon emphasized the need for collective action to turn words and ideas into tangible change.
The Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative aims to invest in the future of these regions by unlocking green investments, promoting climate-smart agriculture for rural farmers, and creating green jobs.
It consists of two key frameworks: the Technical Assistance Fund (TAF) and the Investment Platform (IP), both designed to build climate-resilient economies.
President William Ruto of Kenya also weighed in on the initiative, highlighting the importance of dialogues and seizing opportunities for meaningful change.
He stated, “An opportunity-oriented focus on climate action is the engine for propelling Africa into a realm of stability and prosperity. We must see in green growth not just a climate imperative, but also a fountain of multi-billion-dollar economic opportunities that Africa and the world are primed to capitalize on.”