Zambia is urging for a fair outcome for African countries at the upcoming 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Director of the Department of Climate Change and Green Economy in Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Ephraim Shitima, said the meeting should result in balanced, ambitious and fair outcomes to address climate change effectively. 

“We remain steadfast in our quest for fair and just outcomes from these processes,” stated the director, who is also chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, during the 19th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment and Natural Resources. 

He went on to add that 60% of countries in Africa have no access to early warning and stressed the importance of grant-based financing for sub-Saharan Africa for boosting mitigation and adaptation actions. 

Furthermore, Shitima said Africa is calling for an ambitious decision to be made to bolster the global climate response in terms of sustainable development. The decision should consider the unique needs of the continent and should ensure a fair move to low-carbon and climate-resilient development. 

He added that developed countries should make significant financial commitments and address the outstanding deficit in the delivery of the promised $100 million each year since 2000.

In addition, the director called for the need for progress in the reform of multilateral development banks so they’re better suited to future climate challenges by improving scale and accessibility with the required protections for developing countries.

Zambia is also planning to use its role as chair of the African group to protect Africa’s interest in the climate negotiation process, Shitima added.

The COP28 meeting is taking place from 30th November to 12th December in Dubai.