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Media Advisory from the Sustainable Markets Initiative 01 November 2023

The Sustainable Markets Initiative launches Africa Council at United Nations Event in Kenya

The Council will aim to drive global industry partnerships and investment in support of Nationally Determined Contributions across the continent.

London, England: The Sustainable Markets Initiative today announced the launch of its Africa Council. The launch of the Council took place in Nairobi, Kenya at a roundtable event at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). The meeting brought together global, African and Kenya private sector CEOs, civil society, alongside United Nations agency and Multilateral Development Bank representatives.

While sub-regional and national variance exist across Africa, the roundtable explored the potential to achieve greater impact for the region and economies through maximising cross border sustainable transition opportunities. Stakeholders recognised that achieving a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition requires a multi-faceted approach. With a focus on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) across Africa, stakeholders explored how to accelerate transition in the areas of energy, agriculture, health, insurance, and finance. They also explored how sustainable cities can be catalysts for transition while ensuring a people and community centred approach.

On the road to COP28 in Dubai, U.A.E., and through to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2024, the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Africa Council will be working to showcase inspiring progress that is being made across the region. It will also focus on building global, regional, and local partnerships across industry and finance to deliver meaningful transition results.

The Africa Council is the latest addition to the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Country Engagement activities. The Council is the first Regional Council and joins a cohort of three Country Councils: China, India, and Greece.

The launch of the Africa Council coincided with His Majesty King Charles III’s State visit to Kenya, his first visit to a Commonwealth nation as King, where he addressed the private sector and United Nations staff as part of his visit. His Majesty is the Founder of the Sustainable Markets Initiative.

View the full press release

Learn more about the Regional and Country Councils