KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has embarked on a strategic working visit to the United States of America (USA) where he will be attending the highly anticipated Climate Week forum.

The Climate Week NYC, held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly, is one of the world’s largest annual events dedicated to climate action and sustainability.

The forum will take place in New York City from 22 to 29 September 2024. It brings together leaders from the world of business, including government, political change makers, academia, and civil society from all over the world, who will gather to drive the transition forward, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.

Ntuli, who left the country this week will be engaging in high-level discussions and forming strategic partnerships during Climate Week.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial government said Ntuli’s visit to New York underscores the province’s commitment to addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development,
and strengthening ties with the USA-South Africa’s third-largest trade partner.

‘Premier Ntuli’s objectives include reaffirming the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between KwaZulu-Natal and the United States, advocating for enhanced international cooperation in tackling climate change, securing investments in green technologies, and implementing sustainable land-use practices,’ the provincial government said.

The provincial government added that the Premier’s visit aims to achieve several key outcomes, including securing international cooperation; obtaining support and investment for renewable energy projects and climate adaptation initiatives; forging global partnerships; and collaborating with international organisations, climate-focused non-profits, and private sector stakeholders to advance climate action.

The visit also aims to showcase provincial progress, highlight KwaZulu-Natal’s achievements in climate resilience, including improvements in disaster risk management and biodiversity c
onservation.

‘Ntuli’s participation in Climate Week and related events signifies KwaZulu-Natal’s proactive approach to global climate challenges and positions the province as a leader in climate adaptation and sustainability. The insights and partnerships gained from this visit are expected to enhance KwaZulu-Natal’s long-term climate resilience and contribute to sustainable development efforts,’ the provincial government highlighted.

The Premier will on Friday hold a meeting with the South African Consul General to New York, Simon Cardy, which will cover a range of global issues, including trade, investment, climate change, food security and energy.

The discussion is part of a broader effort to align KwaZulu-Natal’s strategies with global climate goals and secure international support for the province’s sustainability initiatives.

Climate resilience

KwaZulu-Natal has recently faced severe climate-related challenges, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, hailstorms, and a tornado that have caused signi
ficant infrastructure damage, particularly in the eThekwini Metro, Ilembe and Howick areas.

The April 2022 floods, among the worst in the province’s history, resulted in over 400 fatalities and severe disruption to infrastructure, including port operations in Durban.

‘These recent events underscore the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience. The Premier’s visit aims to address these challenges by securing international collaboration and investment to bolster KwaZulu-Natal’s capacity to manage and adapt to climate risks,’ the provincial government said.

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has been appointed as Acting Premier of the province during Ntuli’s absence. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa will oversee the provincial responsibilities until the Premier returns.

Source: South African Government News Agency