Strengthening Africa’s Environmental Agenda at the Nineteenth Ordinary AMCEN Session in Addis Ababa

South African Minister Barbara Creecy Represents the Nation at AMCEN Session

From August 17-18, 2023, the Nineteenth Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, is representing the nation. The conference provides African countries with a platform to reinforce their collective commitment to global environmental initiatives.

Discussions on Environmental Challenges

The conference is being held under the theme “Seizing opportunities and enhancing collaboration to address environmental challenges in Africa.” The ministers will engage in discussions aimed at generating fruitful dialogue. Declarations and decisions have been prepared by senior officials regarding a range of topics.

Ministerial Dialogues

Ministerial dialogues will delve into various subjects, such as climate finance and the protection of human health and the environment from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution in Africa. Creecy emphasized the need for UNFCCC COP28 to accelerate efforts in reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts and to deliver on mandates. Africa’s approach to climate change must be based on the principle of Equity and the recognition of Africa’s Right to Development.

Coordinated Common African Position

South Africa eagerly anticipates the inaugural African Climate Summit in Kenya next month. Creecy plans to discuss the Global Stocktake with fellow African Environment Ministers to gather their perspectives as requested by the CoP 28 President.

International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution

Regarding Africa’s participation in developing an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, including in the Marine Environment, Creecy expressed South Africa’s firm commitment to crafting a comprehensive agreement to end plastic pollution.

Global Alliance on Hazardous Pesticides

South Africa supports the establishment of a Global Alliance to promote partnerships and actions on Highly Hazardous Pesticides. The country also advocates for transparency in managing chemical safety through measures such as labelling, the Global Harmonised System, strengthening customs control, and other relevant actions.

AMCEN Background

The African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) was founded in 1985. Its purpose is to foster regional cooperation among African governments to tackle environmental challenges on the continent. The current session exemplifies the continued importance of collaboration and dialogue in addressing Africa’s complex environmental concerns.