In an effort to develop the continent’s road infrastructure, African journalists will gather in Egypt later in November 2022.
The event will take place under the sponsorship of the United Nations Climate Change Conference and is being organised by the Africa Road Builders – Trophée Babacar NDIAYE.
The General Commissioner of The Africa Road Builders – Trophée Babacar NDIAYE, Barthélemy Kouame, said in a statement made available to PulseNets that COP 27 asks for the mobilisation of all Africans for its complete success.
He said, “Because the road and transport challenge us all on our common and individual responsibilities for the protection and safeguarding of the environment;
“Because Egypt and its leaders have made strong commitments and taken concrete actions for roads, transport and the climate;
“Because The Africa Road Builders – Trophée Babacar NDIAYE, an initiative launched in 2016, aims to promote the development of roads and transport for the generations of today and those of tomorrow in Africa;
“We have decided to mobilize around several journalists and media from all over Africa, accredited to COP 27, representatives of governments, institutions, companies and any organization or person who wishes to join us. This mobilization aims to set up the Media Partnership for the Promotion of Sustainable Transport in Africa and it will take place within the framework of a so-called strategic seminar, in Sharm and Sheikh (Egypt) on November 13 and 14 on the sidelines of COP 27.
“The Media Partnership for the Promotion of Sustainable Transport in Africa aims to be a non-juridical entity which should enable the media to play an effective and permanent role in the fight against climate change, while working for the development of transport in Africa in the interest of the populations and stakeholders concerned. It is open to anyone who shares its goals.
“The General Commission of The Africa Road Builders – Trophée Babacar NDIAYE and the Directorate of Media for Infrastructure and Transport in Africa (MIFA) would like to salute the leadership of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, HE Abdel Fattah El SISI, winner of the Babacar NDIAYE Trophy in 2020, whose actions reflect the promise of a prosperous and healthy Africa.
“Likewise, the General Commissioner and MIFA express their deep admiration for the Heads of State of Côte d’Ivoire (2016 winner), Senegal (2017 winner), Nigeria (2021 winner) and Tanzania (2022 winner) for their great interest in promoting transport in general and sustainable transport in particular.
“We also salute the dynamism of the Minister of Transport of Egypt, Mr. Kamel ELWAZIR, as well as the permanent action of his counterparts in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Nigeria and Tanzania.
“The General Commission of The Africa Road Builders – Trophée Babacar NDIAYE and the Directorate of Media for Infrastructure and Transport in Africa (MIFA) are grateful to the African Development Bank and its President Dr Akinwumi ADESINA, as well as to all regional and sub-regional institutions for their dedication to the cause of developed and sustainable transport in Africa.
“The seminar will end with the symbolic signing of the founding act of the Media Partnership for the Promotion of Sustainable Transport in Africa. Also, all the media involved are committed to ensuring media coverage of COP 27, in order to give it the greatest and most effective visibility throughout Africa and around the world.”
