The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, has called for more decisive action against climate change from Heads of State at the 6th European Union-African Union summit.
Ramkalawan, who participated in the summit held in Brussels, said it was an opportunity for African and European leaders to lay the foundation for a partnership at the highest level.
“I am happy to hear so many commitments being made again today, however, it is high time we move to greater actions,” the president said. “Africa is calling out to Europe to act. We have been waiting and the time for action is yesterday”.
Ramkalawan noted that although his country is a Small Island Developing state, it was making great contributions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
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“Yet when we make economic progress, we are labelled high income and we no longer qualify for assistance, we need to be considered for our vulnerabilities when seeking assistance,” Ramkalawan said.
Speaking further, he commended the European Union for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and urged for immediate cooperation between the EU and Africa.
The island nation in the western Indian Ocean had pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 24 per cent by 2030 in its climate action plan submitted last year before the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow.
The president maintained that adaptation to climate change remains a high priority for Seychelles to reduce the country’s vulnerability.
Story was adapted from IOL.
