President William Ruto of Kenya and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki led a consortium of African leaders in a resounding call for collective global action during the Africa Climate Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

Their clarion message emphasized the imperative for resource mobilization to address both development aspirations and climate action, in line with the Paris Summit's New Global Financing Pact.

The leaders' declaration, aptly titled "The African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change," challenges the international community to honour their commitments to reduce emissions, fulfil past promises, and provide vital support to address climate change.

"We call upon the global community to act with urgency in reducing emissions, fulfilling its obligations, keeping past promises, and supporting the continent in addressing climate change," read a statement issued at the summit.

One of the central appeals made by African leaders is the proposal for a global carbon taxation regime, intended to provide a sustainable source of financing for climate initiatives.

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They also called for the provision of affordable and accessible finance for climate-positive investments, underscoring the importance of financing in achieving climate goals.

President Ruto challenged the global community to address unjust international development financial institutions and governance frameworks.

He emphasized the need for reforms in the multilateral financial architecture and the mobilization of adequate financial resources to ensure the continent's well-being and the success of climate action.

"We have challenged the international community to exercise a level of imagination in governance and climate action that is commensurate with the imperative to overcome the immense existential challenges of our time," Ruto stated.

Highlighting Africa's potential, President Ruto noted that the continent's vast resources, youthful population, natural wealth, and green energy potential position it as the future of climate action and green industrialization.

Describing the Africa Climate Summit as a resounding success, Ruto praised the commitment of governments, the private sector, multilateral banks, and philanthropists, who have pledged a staggering $23 billion for green growth, mitigation, and adaptation efforts across Africa.

He believes that the Nairobi Declaration has set the stage for a new phase in the global climate action and sustainable development agenda.

"We have demonstrated to the world what we have and what we can do and also asked the world for what we need and what the global community can do," Ruto emphasized.

Chairperson Moussa Faki underscored the unanimous endorsement of the Nairobi Declaration, showcasing Africa's determination to combat climate change.

He announced that the African Union will craft a road map for the implementation of this historic declaration, calling upon African leaders to maintain their focus on climate justice, concrete action, and honouring their commitments.

"The Africa Union will work out a road map for the implementation of this declaration," Faki said.

He stressed the importance of unity and teamwork in ensuring that Africa's voice is heard on the global stage.

This significant gathering featured notable African leaders, including Presidents Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Julius Maada of Sierra Leone, Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Idriss Deby of Chad.

Also present were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Angola Vice President Esperança da Costa, Namibia Vice President Nangolo Mbumba, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo, and 66 ministers from different countries.

The Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi marks an important moment in the continent's drive to address climate change while pursuing sustainable development.

African leaders have delivered a clear and unified message, calling for global solidarity in tackling the challenges that threaten the planet's future.