Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, welcomed regional and international delegates to Nairobi for the Focal Points Meeting of the Congo Basin Climate Commission on 26/1/2026.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Dr. Barasa noted that Africa’s ecosystems are facing mounting pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable development. She emphasised that the Congo Basin one of the world’s most important carbon sinks plays a vital role not only for the continent but for global climate stability.
Dr. Barasa traced the origins of the Congo Basin Climate Commission to African-led cooperation that emerged after the 2015 Paris Agreement and the Declaration for Continental Co-Emergence. Endorsed by the African Union in 2017, the Commission has since grown into a central coordinating platform for climate action across Central and East Africa, reinforcing regional solidarity and shared responsibility.
She explained that the Commission’s work focuses on aligning climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience with economic growth and social inclusion. At the heart of this approach is the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, a financing mechanism designed to support sustainable projects in key sectors such as forestry, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure. These initiatives reflect Africa’s commitment to nature-based solutions that protect ecosystems while improving livelihoods.
Looking ahead, Dr. Barasa highlighted the significance of the Nairobi meeting, which builds on progress made during earlier engagements. She recalled last October’s agreement on 43 flagship projects in Brazzaville, as well as consultations held with partners during COP30 discussions in Belém. The Nairobi session is expected to consolidate stakeholder feedback, finalise technical and budget frameworks, and approve strategies for fundraising, communication, and implementation.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Barasa expressed Kenya’s pride in hosting the meeting and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional climate leadership. She stressed that protecting the Congo Basin presents an opportunity to create jobs, strengthen local communities, and enhance climate resilience across Africa.
Calling on participants to act with urgency and unity, she urged them to ensure the initiative becomes a lasting symbol of African leadership, cooperation, and hope in the global fight against climate change.