During his consultations, Morocco's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the AU and the UNECA, Mohamed Arrouchi recalled that Morocco has always mobilized for common African stances on environmental issues. He highlighted the Kingdom's commitment, which is rooted in both the African policy of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and in the active vision of solidarity and collective responsibility that the Sovereign has consistently defended since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio.

The diplomat also pointed out that Morocco is at the forefront of efforts undertaken to strengthen the climate resilience of African island states, namely through five concrete actions. These include holding the 1st Africa Action Summit on the sidelines of COP 22, which established several initiatives aimed at enhancing African resilience against climate threats, such as the African Adaptation Initiative, the Adaptation of African Agriculture initiative and that on Sustainability, Stability and Security (3S) in Africa.

Three African climate commissions were established, one of which is specifically dedicated to island states. Additionally, on the sidelines of COP 27, a ministerial meeting was co-organized with Seychelles on operationalizing the climate commission for island states. The goal of this meeting was to mobilize members and partners around a roadmap outlining specific objectives to be achieved, he said.

Arrouchi also tackled the establishment of the climate change competence centre (4C), as a platform for capacity building and information exchange on climate change issues, as well as advocacy to ensure that any cooperation with Africa necessarily includes a support approach to adapt to climate requirements. This advocacy resulted in the development of a common African position, in partnership with the UN, following the organization of a regional dialogue on food systems in July 2021.

Ambassador has expressed his concern about the climate change impact in Africa, as one of the most vulnerable continents in the world, despite being among the least responsible for greenhouse gaz emissions. 

In this regard, he presented to the AU-PSC strategic recommendations that should be fundamental elements in shaping the common African position on this matter. These include investing in renewable energy, strengthening sustainable agriculture, managing and preserving water and enhancing environmental policies.