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 AFRICA CLIMATE SUMMIT - NAIROBI 2023 

African leaders have demanded sweeping changes to the global financial system and called on the international community to support a massive increase in renewable energy capacity as they wrapped up a three-day landmark climate summit in Kenya on Wednesday. Host President William Ruto said the leaders adopted a declaration highlighting the continent's potential as a green powerhouse.

Here is a pictorial roundup of how the summit unfolded 👇🏽
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 DAY ONE: SEPTEMBER 4 

The first Africa Climate Summit was set to bring together leaders from the 54-nation continent to define a shared vision of Africa's green development.

On the opening day of the three-day summit, this delegate could not miss a selfie opportunity in front of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Kenya's capital Nairobi.

This bird's eye view shows delegates gathering at KICC for the much anticipated meeting.

Inside the venue, Kenya's Police band perform in front of attending delegates.

Host president William Ruto of Kenya delivers his opening remarks.

The venue was filled.

From left, youth representatives Saad Uakkas (Morocco), Elizabeth Wathuthi (Kenya) and Deon Shekuza (Namibia) deliver their opening remarks.

Elsewhere in Nairobi, Turkana women hold a placard as they take part in a march alongside other climate activists.

Climate activists from various nationalities urged delegates attending the Africa Climate Summit to engage actively in discussions to expedite the phase-out of fossil fuels.

Speaking of activism, Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate poses for photograph during an interview with AFP on the sidelines of the summit.

President Ruto (1st row C), fellow leaders and delegates pose for a family photo on the steps of KICC.

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 DAY TWO: SEPTEMBER 5 

On the second day of the summit, these Maasai men stand while waiting for the official opening session to start.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was very much in attendance.

European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen attends the opening session.

COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber delivers his remarks.

Competing visions of the world's energy future are likely to play out at the COP28 talks in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, where the world will take stock of the as-yet-inadequate efforts to slash planet-heating emissions.

Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, walks off the stage to take his seat after delivering his speech.

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo attending the summit.

Former Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon delivers remarks on day two.

President of Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso (L) talks to Senegalese President Macky Sall.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir leaves the podium after he delivered his remarks.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame addressing delegates.

President Ruto talks to the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry gestures as he arrives to a press conference at the summit.

Kerry announced that the US will provide "an additional $30 million (sh111.8 billion) for climate-resilient food security efforts across Africa".

Members of different Kenyan law enforcement authorities monitor one of the access points of KICC during the summit.

A hostess welcomes VIP delegates at one of the access points of KICC.

Delegates gather at the VIP access of the KICC.

Panelists led by President Ruto (C) conduct a session during the summit.

A delegate walk in a corridor decorated with flags from different African countries.

A Ghanian bodyguard waits for Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo (not seen) to exit KICC.

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 DAY THREE: SEPTEMBER 6 

On the closing day of the summit, members of the Kenya Police Service Presidential Band wait for the arrival of African leaders to KICC.

As they waited, the band members conducted rehearsals.

These richly ornated Maasai dancers wait for the arrival of African leaders at the venue.

President Ruto once again drove himself to the summit venue in an electric car.

He then delivered his remarks.

Kenyan local musicians entertain delegates during the closing ceremony.

From left, Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, DR Congo Prime Minister Sam Lukonde and Namibia's Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba listen to President Ruto (not seen) deliver his closing speech.

From left, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, Angolan Vice-President Esperança da Costa and Chad's transitional President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo waves to the public next to the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland (R) and other African leaders during the closing ceremony.

Summit adopts 'Nairobi declaration'

President Ruto, surrounded by other African leaders, delivered his closing speech during the closure of the Africa Climate Summit 2023 at KICC.

The summit ended after leaders adopted a declaration highlighting the continent's potential as a green powerhouse, with President Ruto bringing the three-day conference to a close by saying: "We march on with the Nairobi declaration".

Ruto had pushed for a narrative shift in the talks, focusing on Africa's switch to clean energy even as the continent reels from climate-related disasters.

"This declaration will serve as a basis for Africa's common position in the global climate change process," the final version of the document seen by AFP said.

Analysts say a united African voice could generate momentum for a series of key gatherings leading to a crunch UN climate summit starting in November, including the G20 meeting in New Delhi this weekend.

The declaration calls for "a new financing architecture that is responsive to Africa's needs including debt restructuring and relief", as frustration mounts over the high cost of financing on the continent.

It also asks rich carbon polluters to honour long-standing climate pledges to poorer nations and urges world leaders to back a proposed "carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport and aviation".

The 54-nation continent is acutely vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change, but the summit largely focused on calls to unlock investment in clean energy.

"A new Africa is there and it means business," Ruto said.

The summit saw funding pledges worth $23 billion "for green growth, mitigation and adaptation efforts" across the continent, he said.