Dr Agnes Kalibata, AGRA President, Joins COP28 President’s Advisory Committee to Address Climate Change
By David Kipkorir
Dr Agnes Matilda Kalibata, the President of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has been appointed to the Advisory Committee of the President of COP28 (the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
In a statement issued recently, AGRA announced Dr Kalibata’s membership, expressing confidence in her experience and its potential impact on climate change.
The organisation commended Dr Kalibata, a Rwandan-born agricultural scientist, for her new role and highlighted her expertise in addressing climate change.
“AGRA is proud to announce Dr Kalibata’s membership to the Advisory Committee of the President of the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),” read the statement by the head of communications, Jean Kiarie.
“As a member of the COP28 President’s Advisory Committee, Dr Kalibata will contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change,” the statement said.
As part of her role, Dr Kalibata will be involved in strategic initiatives, including working groups, task forces, and consultations, to ensure that the voices and needs of farmers and businesses are incorporated into global climate policies. AGRA also highlighted the importance of integrating the perspectives of these stakeholders to shape effective climate change strategies.
In response to her appointment, Dr Kalibata expressed her commitment and passion for addressing the global challenges of climate change as a member of the President’s advisory committee.
“I am delighted to join the COP28 President’s Advisory Committee. There is nothing today that is more important than all of us pooling together to contribute to the global effort to combat climate change,” she said.
“Climate change is quickly becoming the most significant challenge facing our planet, and I am committed to working with other partners and stakeholders to address this critical issue. I am committed to sharing my experience and collaborating with other members to drive urgent and meaningful action,” she added.
Dr Kalibata now joins the team led by COP28 President Dr Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, who serves as the Minister of State of the UAE and CEO of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The COP28 platform brings together nations, organisations, and stakeholders from around the world to collectively tackle climate change.
COP28, which was hosted by Egypt last year, will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in November 2023. Dr Kalibata’s appointment to the COP28 President’s Advisory Committee comes after her successful stewardship of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, which aimed to raise global awareness about the need for inclusive and sustainable food systems.
She brings her wealth of experience to the committee and views this role as an opportunity to advance food systems efforts both in Africa and globally.