The Former First lady of Mozambique made a call on African leaders to develop strategies to mitigate climate change on the continent. She made this call while receiving the Award as the 2020 African Climate Champion of the Year, during the International Forum on African Leadership (IFAL) 2020, held virtually on the 26th of February 2021.
While stressing the impact of climate change in the region, Graca Machel cited the Cyclones that fustigated Mozambique between March 2019 to January 2021. The effects, she noted had not only impacted Mozambique but the neighbouring countries as well; an event she said raised her consciousness on the impact of climate change in the continent.
“More importantly, it is to raise the importance of countries developing strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change. We are victims, but we can become an example of how we respond and spearhead initiative using clean energy and others. We are at the forefront of the transformative response to climate change.”
“…we are trying to have women respond in a positive dynamic and connected way and accepting that we are not victims, we are makers of our own life and region”. “I want to thank you very much for this recognition, and I take this as an opportunity to do more, not as a person but with the networks we have been working with”, She concluded.
