Fatshimetrie: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka Leads DRC in Battle for Fair Carbon Offset at COP29
On Tuesday, November 12, a momentous event shook the world stage: the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, made a spectacular entrance at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP29, which is being held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Welcomed by President Ilham Aliyev, she immediately took the floor to passionately defend her country’s position on the crucial issue of fair financial offsetting of carbon credits.
At the heart of the debates, Judith Suminwa Tuluka called on the Congolese delegations present at COP29 to be the voices of the DRC in the fight for fair and equitable compensation. As the world’s second climate lung, the DRC claims its role as a solution country and is fighting to obtain financial compensation commensurate with its contribution to preserving the global environment.
The Prime Minister stressed that climate change is not only vital for the future of the planet, but also crucial for the sustainable development of her country. With its strategic hydraulic and mineral resources, the DRC is positioning itself as a leading player in the global energy transition, and it is essential that its voice be heard.
In a speech marked by determination, Judith Suminwa Tuluka hammered home the importance for the DRC to prepare for this energy transition and receive adequate financial compensation. “We are ready to transform our development through the energy transition, and it is essential that we are fairly rewarded for our significant contribution to preserving the global environment,” she said.
COP29, bringing together nearly 67,000 participants from all over the world, is the scene of intense discussions on climate change and the actions to be taken to limit the devastating effects of this phenomenon. Omer Kabasele, a member of Congolese civil society and head of the REDD climate working group, deplores the absence of major polluters at this event, but is optimistic about the ambitions of the African countries present.
African countries, determined to obtain a significant increase in contributions from polluting countries, want the funds allocated for climate change adaptation and mitigation to reach $130 billion per year. The DRC, positioning itself as a solution country, intends to develop its natural resources for the well-being of its local communities, while imposing its demands and making itself heard at the negotiating table.
Ultimately, the DRC’s participation in COP29 demonstrates its determination to assert its rights and resources to accelerate its development while preserving the environment. Judith Suminwa Tuluka and her delegation want the climate change solutions available to the DRC to become levers for sustainable development for the country.
In conclusion, the DRC’s active presence at COP29 underlines the importance for developing countries to claim fair compensation for their contribution to the fight against climate change. The fight led by Judith Suminwa Tuluka and her team illustrates the DRC’s determination to play a major role in the global energy transition, while defending the interests and well-being of its populations.