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Seoul, South Korea Wednesday, June 5, 2024: President Wavell Ramkalawan yesterday also spoke at the 2024 South Korea-Africa Summit. “Decarbonization and Climate Change Response.”
The Korea-Africa Summit brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including 25 heads of state and government. The main conference took place on Tuesday, June 4 (the first day of the conference), followed by a business summit focused on trade and investment on Wednesday, June 5.
President Ramkalawan had the honor of speaking at the fourth meeting along with six African heads of state who were invited to address the meeting, which aims to promote close cooperation between South Korea and Africa in addressing climate change and achieving carbon neutrality.
Other Heads of State representing their countries at the meeting included His Excellency Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros, His Excellency Prithviraj Ropon, President of the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, the representative of Uganda, His Excellency Jessica Alupo, Vice President, and His Excellency Ahmed Hachani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia.
As the Head of State of a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), President Ramkalawan shared the view that small island states are not only affected by climate change but also by the threat it poses to their survival.
“It is a pleasure to speak on the pressing issue of climate change at this gathering of leaders from our countries, united in pursuit of common goals and shared prosperity. As we gather here, I want to convey an urgent message on behalf of Seychelles, a small island developing State in the Indian Ocean, that Seychelles is facing the daunting challenge of climate change.
The climate crisis is not a distant threat, but a stark reality felt around the world. Nowhere is it more acute than in island nations. In Seychelles, rising sea levels are eroding our coasts and threatening our critical infrastructure, while extreme weather events are disrupting our communities and endangering our way of life. The Global Stocktaking Meeting held in Dubai late last year was a stark reminder of the stark gaps in emissions reductions, with current commitments falling short of what is needed to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees. Yet, in the face of adversity, Seychelles remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable development and climate action,” said President Ramkalawan.
President Ramkalawan further stressed that the African continent is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and is already feeling them. As Chair of the African Island States Climate Commission, he urgently called on all partners and stakeholders to join forces to support African countries in addressing climate change.
“Africa also has great potential for renewable energy. By transitioning to carbon-free energy, African countries can leapfrog the fossil fuel era and build a more sustainable and prosperous future. COP28 called for a tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and a doubling of global annual energy efficiency. Thanks to rapid technological advances, the cost of renewable energy has fallen dramatically in recent years, while energy storage technologies are also improving rapidly. Therefore, the transition to these carbon-free energy technologies is achievable.
Therefore, I call on all the distinguished delegates present here to todayThe President concluded: “We are welcome to join leaders, especially business leaders. Not only will you contribute to our common fight against climate change, but you will also open up new markets and growth opportunities. We need to protect our planet for future generations. A future of shared growth, sustainable development and solidarity. Seychelles stands ready to build that future with you.”
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