Nairobi, Kenya – In a powerful address at the Africa Climate Change Summit today, September 4th, 2023, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, emphasized the pivotal role of education in combatting climate change across Africa.
The summit, convened in Nairobi, Kenya, from the 4th to the 6th of September, witnessed a compelling discussion on “The Big Opportunity, Education and Skills Development for a Climate Change-Adapted and Green Economy,” spearheaded by Kenya’s First Lady, Mrs. Rachel Ruto.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s perspective, Fatima Bio illuminated the importance of education in achieving climate goals, echoing the sentiments of her husband, President H.E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
She articulated, “Education is the bedrock of any solution we seek for our people. Without it, achieving our climate objectives becomes an arduous task.”
First Lady Maada Bio highlighted that educating the populace about climate change, its challenges, and its effects equips individuals with the knowledge needed to combat this global crisis effectively.
She further asserted that modern technology can be a potent tool in the fight against climate change but emphasized that its efficacy hinges on a well-educated population capable of harnessing technological solutions.
In her capacity as a member of the United Nations Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, First Lady Fatima Bio underscored the urgency of climate action for African nations.
She declared, “Climate change is no longer a distant issue; it is our shared concern as Africans, and we must address it collectively, starting now.”
With eloquence and insight, Bio delved into various aspects of the climate change discourse, addressing education, skills development, a green workforce, African-led solutions, and the formation of a high-ambition coalition. She stressed Africa’s unique position as a continent with a youthful and rapidly growing population, abundant natural resources, and the potential to spearhead a green transformation on a global scale.
“We must adapt to and mitigate climate change, foster resilient and sustainable economies, and, most importantly, provide our youth with the education and skills required to drive worldwide transformation,” First Lady Maada Bio passionately articulated.
Furthermore, she advocated for improved facilities in education and training institutions to help African youth realize their full potential, emphasizing the triple imperatives of climate adaptation, mitigation, and economic transformation.
Accompanying First Lady Fatima Maada Bio in this exploration of climate change were prominent figures, including Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education; Dr. Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund; Dr. Hanan Morsy, Chief Economist & Deputy Executive Secretary at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Managing Director of GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit); Ms. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, Special Youth Envoy, Africa Union Commission; and Ndungu Kahihu, Executive Director of CAP Youth Empowerment Institute.
Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, who opened the high-level session, encouraged the panelists to delve deeply into the topics, ultimately resulting in a comprehensive roadmap for tackling climate change in Africa.
The panel discussions were marked by their honesty, robustness, extensive research, and received resounding applause from delegates, demonstrating the high appreciation for the esteemed panelists’ contributions to this critical global issue.
