People attend a gathering to call for less fossil fuel development and a transition to renewable energy during the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) in Marrakech, Morocco, on Nov. 14, 2016. Africa presents united front and calls for action at the COP22 scheduled from Nov. 7 to 18 in Marrakesh, Morocco. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Africa presents united front and calls for action at the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) scheduled from Nov. 7 to 18 in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Africa is among the world's regions most vulnerable to climate change, reiterated a statement from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on Monday.
Africa's key priorities include ensuring that global ambitions and historic responsibilities regarding means of implementation, particularly predictable financing, to facilitate low carbon climate resilient development are in line with the continent's development goals, said the statement.
A collaborative partnership between the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission, ECA, and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) established the Africa Pavilion in the blue zone of the COP22 village, dedicated to engagement, networking and dialogue, said the statement.
The Pavilion also aims to provide a platform for the voices of the continent to be heard.
The Pavilion embodies the united front of an Africa "speaking with one voice" in articulating its interests given the high stakes of climate change negotiations
The Africa Pavilion features a dynamic program of round-tables, conferences and bilateral meetings, where key issues of adaptation and mitigation; green industrialization; agriculture; transport; health; water and sanitation; biodiversity and innovation are discussed.
Both COP21 President and French Minister of the Environment, Energy and the Sea, in charge of international climate negotiations, Segolene Royal and COP22 President and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Salaheddine Mezouar, visited the Africa pavilion in the early days of COP22.
Several African heads of State and high level officials are also expected to visit the pavilion during the High level week of COP22, and especially on Africa Day, on Wednesday, according to the statement.
COP22 is the fourth COP to take place on African soil, the second time in Morocco, presenting an important opportunity to place special emphasis on the continent's needs and proposals.
COP22 is dubbed the COP of action, providing a clear roadmap for the implementation of commitments made in the Paris Agreement which came into force on 4 Nov. 2016.
