While climate change is a major threat to Africa, the continent should seize the opportunities it represents, said African Development Bank Vice-President Aly Abou-Sabaa at the COP21 climate conference in Paris.

Speaking on behalf of AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, the Vice President for Agriculture, Water, Human Development, Governance and Natural Resources, represented the Bank at the second meeting of the Milano Group on Climate Adapted Agriculture and Food Systems that took place at the Palais des Congrès de Paris on December 5.

The main objective of the meeting was to discuss and assess the progress in having agriculture, food and climate linked in the agreement at COP21.

The participants also reflected on the various opportunities and challenges in terms of integrating agriculture and food systems into the ongoing climate discussions.

Finally, the participants discussed on how best to establish a clear pathway from Paris to Marrakesh, which will host the next edition of the UN climate summit (COP22), that focuses on the adaptation of food systems, rural environments and livelihoods in the face of climate change.

During the meeting, Vice-President Abou-Sabaa reiterated the Bank's stand and elaborated further on the Bank's High 5s and the trajectory set towards achieving them.

The meeting was capped by a reception that was hosted by the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) where Abou-Sabaa was called upon to talk briefly on the theme "Africa and Climate Change - Seizing Opportunities".

In his talk, the VP gave an account of what the Bank is doing in climate finance and the pledge to increase climate financing by 40% up to 2020.

The meeting, which was convened by David Nabarro, the UN Special Adviser on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, brought together CEOs and high-level personalities in the field of agriculture and climate change, including the African Union Commission, which was represented by Mrs. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime.