Seoul, South Korea Wednesday 5 June 2024: During the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday also delivered a statement at the Business Summit, which took place under the theme “Decarbonisation and Climate Change Response.”
The Korea-Africa Summit brought together delegations from 48 African nations, including 25 Heads of State and government. The main session, which was held on Tuesday 4 June, on the first day of the conference, was followed by a business summit focused on trade and investment on Wednesday 5 June.
President Ramkalawan had the honour to address the Summit during session 4 alongside only 6 selected African Heads of State invited to deliver statements for this specific conference. The session’s goal sought to promote close cooperation between Korea and Africa in responding to climate change and working towards carbon neutrality.
The other Heads of State representing their country included the President of Union of the Comoros, H.E Azali Assoumani, the President of the Republic of Mauritius, H.E Prithvirajsing Roopun, the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E William Ruto, representing Uganda, the Vice-President H.E Jessica Alupo and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia, H.E Ahmed Al-Hachani.
As the Head of State of a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), President Ramkalawan shared the perspective of a small island nation not only being affected by climate change, but the existential threat it poses to its survival.
“It is a pleasure to address this event on the urgent matter of climate change and where we, leaders, come together in pursuit of common goals and shared prosperity. As we convene here, I bring with me the urgent message of Seychelles, a Small Island Developing State in the Indian Ocean, facing the profound challenges of climate change.
The climate crisis is not a distant threat but a stark reality that is being felt across the world. Island states feel it the most. In Seychelles, rising sea levels encroach upon our shores threatening our critical infrastructures, while extreme weather events disrupt our communities and endanger our way of life. The recent Global Stocktake that took place in Dubai late last year, serves as a glaring reminder that there is a blatant gap in emissions reduction with current commitments falling short to the levels required to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. Yet, in the face of adversity, Seychelles remains steadfast in our commitment to sustainable development and climate action," elaborated President Ramkalawan.
President Ramkalawan further stressed that the African continent is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change whilst already feeling the effects. In his capacity as the Chairperson of the African Island States Climate Commission, he made an urgent plea to all partners and stakeholders to join forces to support African nations' response to climate change.
“Africa also has immense potential when it comes to renewable energy resources. By embracing the transition to carbon-free energy, African nations can leapfrog over the fossil fuel era and build a more sustainable and prosperous future. COP28 called for tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. Thanks to rapid advances in technology, the cost of renewable energy has plummeted in recent years while energy storage technologies are rapidly improving. Thus, making the transition to these carbon-free energy technologies is achievable.
Therefore, I call upon the esteemed delegates gathered here today, particularly the business leaders, to join us in this endeavour. You will not only contribute to our collective fight against climate change but also unlock new markets and opportunities for growth. We need to safeguard our planet for future generations. A future of shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity. Seychelles stands ready to build such a future together with you,” concluded the President.