Uganda to Virtually Host 2021 Africa Climate Week in September

Uganda will virtually host the 2021 Africa Climate Week from 27th to 29th September 2021, the Minister of State for Environment, Beatrice Anywar has announced.

The virtual event will be hosted in support from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) under the theme: “Partnering for transformation towards a low-carbon climate resilient and prosperous Africa: managing risks, seizing opportunities.”

This event was meant to have taken place in person at Munyonyo Common Wealth Resort from March 9- 13, 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

While addressing Parliament on Wednesday, Minister Anywar said that hosting this event gives a unique opportunity to bring Governments, private sector & other non-Party stakeholders to Uganda to discuss regional climate change responses and boost tourism.

“This event will among others raise our country profile, which could lead to long term economic benefits, whilst ultimately bringing innovative pathways for climate action in the region. It will also provide avenue for regional discussions on Climate Change through the Ministerial Segment,” Anywar said.

Anywar said that the event will be hosted virtually due to Covid-19 and failure to secure the needed resources to host the physical event. As of March 2020, the total cost of the week-long conference was estimated at about Shs6.5billion of which the Government of Uganda was expected to mobilize approximately Shs2.7billion to cater for logistical arrangements, while the rest of the budget was to be funded by UNFCCC.

The event before its postponement was expected to host between 1000-1500 guests including foreign Ministers of Environment and other high level dignitaries. The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Ms. Patricia Espinosa was expected to attend alongside other UN members.