The Africa Center in partnership with Global Citizen, Climate Action Platform Africa (CAP-A), and the Government of Kenya will host a discussion between Kenyan President William Ruto and World Trade Organization Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Climate Positive Growth, Investment, and Trade Frameworks for an African Led World.
The conversation will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 9am to 11am EST at The Africa Center at Aliko Dangote Hall, located at 1280 5th Ave in New York City.
The conversation will be live-streamed at theafricacenter.org, and on The Africa Center’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The program will be available on Global Citizen’s YouTube page following the event.
Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of The Africa Center said: “We are thrilled and honored to have President Ruto and WTO D.G. Okonjo-Iweala join us for this critical conversation at The Africa Center. Recognizing and investing in Africa’s leadership on climate change is not just a matter of environmental responsibility, it’s a testament to the continent’s resilience, innovation, and its unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Africa isn’t just adapting to the impacts of climate change, it’s ready and willing to help shape the narrative of our planet’s future. I firmly believe that by acknowledging and harnessing this leadership, we not only protect our planet but also elevate the global stage for African voices, wisdom, and solutions in this fight.”
Caralene Robinson, Chief Growth Officer at Global Citizen said: “Africa is where climate change, poverty and inequity are having the greatest impact. By 2050, a quarter of the world’s entire population will be African and it will be the world’s youngest continent. The moment is now to unlock opportunity, catalyze inclusive growth to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Since 2018 Global Citizen has run several campaigns across the continent and we look forward to further expanding our efforts over the coming year. We are proud to be co-hosting this important discussion with H.E. President Ruto of Kenya and WTO D.G. Okonjo-Iweala, highlighting how the new climate positive global trade frameworks can enable Africa to become a leader in green innovation and technology.”
James Mwangi, Founder of CAP-A and Founder and CEO of Africa Climate Ventures said: “Climate action in Africa is not just possible and potentially highly competitive, it is indispensable: Africa needs to be net negative to achieve net zero global ambitions by 2050. Conversely, Africa needs climate action as a critical driver for economic transformation and job creation at scale. A transition to a green economy will not happen of its own accord. It requires concerted effort and focused leadership. We are honored to bring together perspectives from H.E. President Ruto and WTO D.G. Okonjo-Iweala on the investment case for Climate Positive Growth.”
Location:
The Africa Center at Aliso Dangote Hall
1280 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY
Program Details (all times noted in EST):
- 8:00am: Media Check In Opens (All) and Broadcast Set Up (Required by 8:30am)
- 9:15am: President William Ruto and WTO D.G. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Fireside Chat Begins
- 10:00am: President Ruto Closing Remarks
- 10:15am : Press Photo Ops (TBD)/Camera break down and media departure opportunity
- 11:00am: Strengthening Africa’s Research & Development Ecosystem for Impact
- 11:30am: Technology, Innovation and Africa’s Future
- 12:00pm Program End
*Please note that due to security protocols, once the program begins at 9:15am, it is required that all in attendance remain until 10:15am.
To request media credentials to attend in person, email press@theafricacenter.org by 6pm EST on September 18, 2023.
Program selects and video to be provided on September 19 by 4pm EST.
For more information, visit theafricacenter.org.