In a historic gathering aimed at addressing the escalating threat of extreme heat in urban areas, Freetown welcomed delegates from across Africa for the first-ever African Urban Heat Summit.
The event, co-hosted by the Freetown City Council and Climate Resilience for All (CRA), marks a significant step toward fostering regional collaboration and developing actionable solutions to combat climate change.
The official welcome ceremony was led by Freetown Mayor Yvonne Sawyer OBE, Deputy Mayor Kweku Lask Esq., Councillors, Chief Administrator Raman Tom Car, and council staff. Distinguished guests included mayors and vice governors from Kanifing, Monrovia, Conakry, Meera, Ouagadougou, and Abidjan, as well as representatives from international organizations such as the Quadrature Foundation and C40 Cities.
The CEO, Board Chair, and staff of CRA were also in attendance, underscoring the importance of the summit.The ceremony commenced with an inspection of a guard of honor by the Freetown City Council Metropolitan Police, followed by the symbolic presentation of the “Key to Freetown Municipality” to the visiting mayors.
This gesture highlighted Freetown’s commitment to fostering partnerships and regional cooperation in the fight against climate change.Scheduled to run from January 6, 2025, the summit will bring together local government leaders from across Sierra Leone, development partners, multilateral organizations, and key climate stakeholders.
The primary focus will be on developing urgent solutions and mobilizing the necessary funding to address the growing impacts of extreme heat on urban populations. With cities across Africa facing rising temperatures and their associated challenges, the summit aims to create a unified approach to building climate resilience and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
The African Urban Heat Summit represents a critical milestone in the continent’s efforts to tackle climate change. By fostering collaboration among cities and stakeholders, the event seeks to pave the way for innovative strategies and sustainable solutions that will protect urban areas from the devastating effects of extreme heat.
As Freetown takes the lead in this initiative, the summit promises to be a catalyst for meaningful change in the fight against climate-related challenges.
