Tokyo: In the final declaration of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), African and Japanese heads of state and government commended the initiatives launched by His Majesty the King to tackle climate and migration challenges in Africa. The declaration emphasized the significant role of the three Climate Commissions-the Sahel Commission, the Congo Basin Commission, and the Island States Commission-established during the African Action Summit, in aiding African nations to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, these commissions, initiated by the Sovereign, serve as frameworks for regional coordination to amplify Africa’s voice in international negotiations and to mobilize the necessary financing for projects that cater to local needs. Additionally, African leaders recognized the Initiative for the Adaptation of African Agriculture (AAA), which was also launched following the African Action Summit during COP22 in Marrakech in 2016. The AAA Initiative aims to enhance the resilience of African agriculture against climate change through projects focused on soil management, irrigation, and climate finance.

On the subject of migration, the heads of state expressed strong support for the African Migration Observatory, which was initiated by His Majesty the King in his capacity as African Union Champion for Migration. The Observatory was endorsed by the African Union Conference of Heads of State and Government in June 2018, following His Majesty’s presentation of the African Agenda on Migration.

Inaugurated in Rabat in 2020, this central AU migration structure is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on migration flows to support the development of informed public policies and to boost international cooperation in the field. Since its operationalization, the Observatory has expanded partnerships with regional and international institutions, contributing to the development of coordinated African strategies and better integration of migration into development policies.

The Royal initiatives on climate and migration have been acknowledged in numerous partnership declarations, highlighting the relevance of the Sovereign’s vision for Africa and confirming the Kingdom’s critical role in addressing the continent’s integration, development, and challenges in collaboration with international partners.