At Belém, Brazil, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressed the leaders summit, & underscored that Africa arrives at #COP30 “with conviction,” affirming that “the continent is an agent of transformation.” He noted that “from solar fields to green innovators by the youth across our continent, Africa is leading the way towards a just, inclusive, low-carbon future.”

He lamented, however, that “Africa, home to 40% of global renewable potential, receives less than 12% of climate finance.” He added, “We do not ask for charity but for climate justice, fair access to finance, technology, and opportunity. Those least responsible for this crisis must not bear its heaviest burden.”

He concluded by saying that #COP30 “should mark the moment the world moved from pledges to progress, from vulnerability to vitality, guided by solidarity, justice, and shared prosperity. The time for half measures is over. The time for bold, united action is now.”