Mayors from 31 African countries have agreed to step up efforts to develop plans for climate change adaptation and mitigation, UN-HABITAT reported March 2.
In a declaration following a landmark meeting in Nairobi February 27, the mayors also resolved to integrate these plans into city development strategies.
Mayors from 33 African capital and major cities attended the two-day event, which was organized by UN-HABITAT.
Despite their relatively low contribution to global warming, African cities are being disproportionately impacted by rising emissions. Africa’s coastal cities are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Despite their relatively low contribution to global warming, African cities are being disproportionately impacted by rising emissions. Africa’s coastal cities are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The mayors also discussed increasing the role of representatives of local authorities in the UN system. They urged the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) to resolve the leadership crisis in its African chapter and, with the support of UN-HABITAT, move the urban agenda forward at the United Nations General Assembly.
The UCLG was represented at the Nairobi meeting by Secretary-General Elisabeth Gateau.
Enhancing access to safe water and improving the lives of slum dweller, targets 10 and 11 of the Millennium Development Goals, were also on the agenda.
