Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, led a significant delegation to the Conference of African Ministers in Charge of Environment, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from August 30 to September 6, 2024.
This important annual conference is organized by the African Union in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Its primary focus is to review and address environmental issues across Africa.
The outcomes of this conference will help shape resolutions that are presented at the United Nations Environment Assembly, a critical platform for global environmental governance.
The 2024 conference occurs against a backdrop of several pivotal environmental negotiations. These include the Conferences of the Parties to the three Rio Conventions: the Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biodiversity, and the Convention to Combat Desertification.
Additionally, there is the upcoming 4th session of negotiations aimed at creating a binding international agreement to combat plastic pollution, scheduled before the end of 2024. These sessions are crucial as they set global standards and commitments for environmental protection.
The Conference of Ministers is designed to prepare for these global negotiations by establishing common regional positions. ECOWAS’s participation is vital to ensure that West African concerns and priorities are effectively represented. By engaging in these discussions, ECOWAS aims to influence the international agenda and ensure that the region’s environmental issues are adequately addressed.
On the sidelines of the conference, Mrs. TOURE-LITSE engaged in several productive working sessions with key partners. These included representatives from UNEP, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the African Union Commission.
These meetings focused on various collaborative efforts, including the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ECOWAS and UNEP.
One significant topic of discussion was the integrated management of the Fouta Djallon Massif, a critical watershed in West Africa that supports numerous ecosystems and communities. Additionally, the delegation addressed the development of a regional carbon market, which aims to promote sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the region.
Through these engagements, Mrs. TOURE-LITSE and her team worked to strengthen partnerships and align regional and global environmental strategies. Their efforts underscore ECOWAS’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and contributing to global solutions.
As the world faces increasing environmental pressures, such regional and international cooperation remains crucial for achieving sustainable development goals.
