2024 Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers Lecture: Irish President calls for urgent action on climate crisis & debt reform to support Africa’s dev’t

During the 2024 Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers Lecture, President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland stressed the need for global cooperation to address climate change, Africa’s debt crisis, and food insecurity.

He highlighted that the Global North is responsible for 92% of climate emissions, while Africa’s renewable energy receives significantly less finance.

Higgins also pointed out Africa’s growing debt, expected to reach $163 billion in 2024, and called for systemic reforms, proposing a cap on debt service to free up resources for social programs.

He also highlighted the worsening food insecurity, with over a billion Africans struggling to afford a healthy diet.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, praised Ireland’s commitment to Africa and stressed the importance of supporting smallholder farmers to foster economic growth.

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