Media Advisory: UN Deputy Humanitarian Chief to visit Southern, Eastern Africa

The Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, will arrive in Mozambique’s capital Maputo on Saturday, 28 October, for the start of a four-country mission to southern and eastern Africa. 

In Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania, Ms. Msuya will stress the need to act before climate-induced crises strike, as more frequent and intense disasters drive humanitarian needs on the African continent ever higher. 

She will also meet Government officials, members of the private sector, representatives of international and regional financial institutions, and people affected by extreme weather to underscore the humanitarian community’s commitment to ensuring that climate finance reaches those on the frontlines of the crisis. 

Africa is home to 27 of the world’s 40 countries most vulnerable to climate change, but the continent receives just a fraction of financing meant to help vulnerable communities adapt. 

“As we count down to COP28 next month, we must do all we can to keep Africa’s people at the heart of the global conversation over climate shocks and solutions,” Ms. Msuya said. “The threat of El Niño and the coming cyclone season underscores what’s at stake for southern and eastern Africa.” 

With partnerships playing a critical role in addressing the climate crisis, Ms. Msuya will also hold talks with representatives of the Southern African Development Community and other regional organizations, as well as with civil society.

 

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Posted on 27 October 2023