Ottawa – Canada remains a steadfast partner in international efforts to fight climate change and promote gender equality. Last week, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $24.75 million in funding as he concluded his visit to Africa. This funding will help support nature-based climate solutions and conservation interventions in Africa, as well as continue Canada’s commitment to improving and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls.
The Minister led Canada’s delegation to the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where he highlighted Canada’s commitment to climate action across Africa and engaged with government officials, partners, and stakeholders on shared interests. Minister Hussen also accepted an invitation to join the advisory board of the Global Center on Adaptation, an organization that seeks to accelerate action and increase support for innovative solutions to the complex challenges of climate adaptation.
Following the summit, the Minister travelled to Zambia, where he engaged with local government officials and announced additional funding to support sexual and reproductive health. The Minister also participated in the launch of the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas project, focused on nature-based solutions for climate change implemented by the International Institute for Sustainable Development in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
During his trip, he visited programs supported by the Government of Canada in Kenya and Zambia, including a safe space for adolescent girls, aimed at ending child, early and forced marriage. He also visited a project that supports smallholder farmers and promotes food security, as well as a program that provides training and advising to entrepreneurs.
“Our government recognizes the urgency of addressing climate change and promoting gender equality in all 4 corners of the world. Participating in the Africa Climate Summit was a great opportunity to underline our shared interest in supporting green economic growth and women’s empowerment in Africa. During my time in Kenya and Zambia, I also had the chance to see firsthand the crucial work of our partners who are working to ensure no one is left behind.” – Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development