The Africa Day High Level Event in the margins of COP22 Marrakech

USPA NEWS - The Africa Day High Level Event in the margins of the the COP22 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 12th Session of the Meeting of the Parties (CMP12) to the Kyoto Protocol (KP), on 16 November 2016, at 10:00am at the African Pavilion, in Marrakech.     

The main objective of the Africa Day high level event is to provide a platform and opportunity to critically examine the implementation of the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted by African countries as part of the Paris Agreement, as well as the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI), and the implications for Africa´s development WHAT: The Africa Day High Level Event in the margins of the the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 12th Session of the Meeting of the Parties (CMP12) to the Kyoto Protocol (KP).            THEME: “Moving from Commitment to Action with Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) and the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI)“ WHEN: 16 November 2016, at 10:00am  WHERE: Marrakech, Morocco (African Pavilion) WHO: The COP22 Africa Day high level event is jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC); African Development Bank (AfDB); United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); and NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA); in collaboration with support of the host country; the Kingdom of  Morocco.  OBJECTIVE:  The main objective of the Africa Day high level event is to provide a platform and opportunity to critically examine the implementation of the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted by African countries as part of the Paris Agreement, as well as the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI), and the implications for Africa´s development. Specifically the high level event seek to achieve the following objectives: “¢         Emphasize Africa´s priorities for the means of implementation of the INDCs in the context of the Paris Agreement; “¢         Review the implications and prospects for the implementation of the NDCs  for Africa, including associated challenges and opportunities;  “¢         Discuss the alignment of the NDCs with national development strategies that are inclusive and aligned to climate-resilient and low carbon transition; “¢         Have an open conversation on the rollout of the African Renewable Energy Initiative. THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE AFRICA DAY HIGH LEEVEL EVENTS INCLUDES --------------------------------- “¢         Good understanding of Africa´s readiness regarding the implementation the NDCs and AREI;  “¢         Opportunities and challenges for the implementation of NDCs and AREI in Africa; “¢         Better understanding of the implications and prospects of NDCs and AREI on Africa´s development. LIST OF THE PARTICIPANTS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Africa Day high level event is expected to bring together African leaders, global leaders and African stakeholders participating at COP 22, development partners and the donor community, African Group of Negotiators on climate change, Scientists, Experts, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector entities, women, youth and the media.   BACKGROUND ABOT COP21 and COP22 THE 22nd CONFERENCE OF PARTIES--------------------------------------------- The COP21 Paris agreement in 2015 acknowledges the need for further negotiation and refinement. Consequently, COP 22 is significant as the place where the Paris framework will be further refined, and gaps in the existing agreement filled in order to ensure a safe future climate. Already, the SABSTA meetings in Bonn have started to discuss the provisions of the Paris agreement that require further elaboration. This on-going negotiation is particularly important for Africa, given that the continent continues to bear the brunt of climate change while contributing the least to the phenomenon.  It is thus in Africa´s interest to ensure that the Paris framework is consolidated into a binding and enforceable agreement which addresses the issues that concern the continent.  In the lead up to Paris, these issues included the need to ensure balanced focus on adaptation and mitigation, limiting global warming to below 1.50C, ensuring adequate means of implementation, as well as maintaining the CBDR principle. The Paris framework does not conclusively address most of the continent´s concerns, and it is recognized that COP 22 represents an opportunity to advance the development of the Paris framework. Source African Union Commission (AUC).