Africa: Opening Statement to Conference on Climate Change

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Addis Ababa — Opening statement by Dr. Jean Ping, chairperson of the African Union Commission, to a meeting of the representatives of the Conference of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and African lead experts on climate change.

I am pleased to welcome you all to the African Union Headquarters to participate in this important and historic meeting.

The issue of climate change that we have come to discuss here today is of significant importance to the African Continent. Scientific projections unequivocally indicate that Africa will be hit hardest by the impacts of climate change as compared to other continents. Among other impacts, climate change will fundamentally affect agricultural productivity, increase the prevalence of diseases and poverty, increase water stress and trigger off conflicts and war. Africa's development aspirations are at stake unless urgent steps are taken to address the problem of climate change.

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