UN Chief Guterres Urges Urgent Climate Financing at Africa Forward Summit

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent reforms to global climate financing.

 The secretary-general warned that Africa is bearing the harshest consequences of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions.

Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Guterres said African nations are facing devastating climate-related challenges, including prolonged droughts, severe flooding, food insecurity, and economic instability.

The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together African leaders, global investors, and development partners to discuss sustainable growth and climate resilience across the continent.

 

During discussions on green industrialization and energy transition, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s growing role in renewable energy development and sustainable industrialization.

He said Ethiopia continues to play a major role in advancing Africa’s green growth agenda.

Guterres urged wealthy nations and international financial institutions to overhaul existing climate funding systems and deliver meaningful support to vulnerable countries.

 

He stressed that Africa contributes less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but continues to suffer disproportionately from climate disasters.

Meanwhile, French President Macron announced a 27 billion USD investment package aimed at supporting Africa’s energy transition, artificial intelligence, maritime infrastructure, and agricultural modernization.

 

Guterres warned that without immediate action and stronger financial commitments, millions of lives and livelihoods across Africa remain at risk as the climate crisis deepens.