Speaking during his consultations, the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the African Union (AU) and the UNECA, Mohamed Arrouchi recalled that Morocco has always mobilized for common African positions on environmental issues. , highlighting the commitment of the Kingdom, which finds its roots as much in the African policy of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God help him, as in the Vision of active solidarity and collective responsibility, as the Sovereign has continued to defend it since the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992.
The diplomat also underlined that Morocco is at the forefront of efforts aimed at strengthening the climate resilience of African island states, in particular through five concrete actions including the organization of the 1st African Action Summit, on the sidelines of Cop 22, which adopted several initiatives aimed at strengthening African resilience in the face of climate threats, including the African Adaptation Initiative, the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative as well as as Security, Stability and Sustainability (3S).
It also involves the creation of three African climate commissions, including one dedicated specifically to island states, and the organization, on the sidelines of COP 27, jointly with the Seychelles, of a ministerial meeting on “The operationalization of the Climate Commission of Island States: towards achievement and action”, with the aim of mobilizing members and partners around a Roadmap outlining precise objectives to be achieved, he said.
Mr. Arrouchi also mentioned the establishment of the Climate Change Competence Center (4C), as a platform for capacity building and exchange of information on climate change and advocacy so that any cooperation undertaken with Africa integrates necessarily a support approach for adaptation to climate requirements and advocacy which culminated in the development of a common African position, in partnership with the UN, following the organization of a regional dialogue on systems food, in July 2021.
The ambassador also expressed concern about the effects of climate change in Africa, noting that the continent is one of the most vulnerable in the world, although it is among the least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
He noted that Africa, very vulnerable to climate change, is experiencing various impacts of climate change, including drought and water stress, extreme weather events, decline in agricultural productivity, deforestation and loss of biodiversity, sea level rise, impact on public health and climate migration.
Mr. Arrouchi, on the other hand, noted that to combat the effects of climate change in Africa, an integrated approach is essential, combining efforts at local, national and international levels in order to mitigate the impacts on populations and communities. ecosystems.
In this sense, he presented to the AU PSC strategic recommendations which must be the fundamental elements of the design of the common African position in this area, in particular investment in renewable energies, strengthening sustainable agriculture , water management and preservation, strengthening environmental policies, adaptation and community resilience, financing and international partnerships, promotion of research and technological innovation, mobilization of civil society and young people and sustainable urban planning.
The Moroccan delegation also insisted on the importance of integrated approaches that can help Africa face climate challenges, by reducing its environmental impacts while stimulating sustainable development, indicating that climate change remains a global challenge, but Africa can play a vital role in putting in place resilience strategies and encouraging sustainable development.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Ambassador Mohamed Arrouchi, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the African Union and UNECA
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Ambassador Arrouchi. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Morocco has been vocal about climate change and environmental issues in Africa. Could you share with our readers your perspective on Morocco’s commitment to these issues?
Ambassador Arrouchi: Thank you for having me. Morocco has long been a champion for common African positions on environmental matters. Our commitment is deeply rooted in the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has advocated for active solidarity and collective responsibility from the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 to the present day. This legacy drives us to support and unify African countries in the face of climate challenges.
Time.news Editor: That’s impressive. You mentioned that Morocco has taken specific actions to enhance climate resilience among African island states. Could you elaborate on these initiatives?
Ambassador Arrouchi: Certainly. We have launched several concrete initiatives, such as the African Adaptation Initiative and the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative. These programs were introduced at the 1st African Action Summit during COP 22, aiming to bolster resilience against climate threats. Additionally, we established three African climate commissions, one specifically focused on island states, to facilitate targeted actions and foster collaboration.
Time.news Editor: The establishment of the Climate Change Competence Center (4C) is notable. How does this center contribute to Africa’s climate strategy?
Ambassador Arrouchi: The 4C serves as a crucial platform for capacity building and information exchange on climate change. It promotes advocacy and ensures that any partnerships formed with Africa address adaptation needs. This aligns with our efforts to consolidate a common African position, particularly following our regional dialogue on food systems in July 2021, which emphasized sustainable agricultural practices and food security.
Time.news Editor: With Africa being one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change, what are the main challenges you foresee in addressing these urgent issues?
Ambassador Arrouchi: Indeed, Africa is disproportionately affected despite being one of the least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. The main challenges include resource constraints, lack of technological access, and the need for a robust policy framework to implement adaptation strategies effectively. It’s crucial for African nations to receive substantial support from global partners to strengthen our resilience and address these vulnerabilities.
Time.news Editor: In your opinion, how can African nations work together to create a unified approach towards climate action?
Ambassador Arrouchi: Collaboration is essential. African nations must prioritize regional dialogues and partnerships to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. Initiatives like the African Climate Commissions create a platform for dialogue, ensuring that countries can align their efforts and resources towards common goals. This cooperative framework will enhance our collective ability to tackle climate issues effectively.
Time.news Editor: what message would you like to convey to the international community regarding Morocco’s role and commitment to combating climate change in Africa?
Ambassador Arrouchi: I hope to highlight the importance of solidarity and partnership. Morocco is dedicated to not only supporting African nations but also advocating for their needs on the international stage. Collaboration is vital to ensure that climate action is both practical and sustainable. I invite the international community to engage actively with Africa, to listen, to invest, and to partner with us in creating a resilient future for our continent.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ambassador Arrouchi, for sharing your insights with us today. Your dedication to environmental issues is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how Morocco continues to lead in this critical arena.
Ambassador Arrouchi: Thank you. It was a pleasure to discuss these important issues, and I appreciate the platform to share Morocco’s vision for a sustainable future.