NAIROBI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- A forum held in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, on Monday called for Sub-Saharan African countries to adopt a bold vision, forward-looking leadership, and new policies to foster green and resilient urbanization amid the escalating climate crisis.

The Green and Resilient UrbanShift Africa 2025 Forum, running from Feb. 17 to 21 under the theme "Green and Resilient Urban Development," has brought together more than 250 delegates, including city mayors, policymakers, investors, environmental advocates, and innovators.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, mayor of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, noted that African cities have prioritized climate action by leveraging youth-led innovations.

"With approximately 70 percent of Africa's population under the age of 35, young people are leveraging technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship to drive the shift towards sustainability," said Aki-Sawyerr, who is also the co-chair of C40 Cities, an international green lobby.

Kevin Chika Urama, chief economist and vice president for the Economic Governance and Knowledge Management complex at African Development Bank Group, said that unlocking climate finance to African cities will spur green growth, generate new jobs for the youth.

"Every dollar invested in resilient urban infrastructure yields multiple returns-lower costs from climate shocks, increase private sector confidence and a more dynamic local economy," Urama said.

Johnson Sakaja, governor of Nairobi, said it is possible to convert African cities into green oasis, subject to ramping up investments in people-centric climate solutions such as clean energy and mobility.

Delegates at the five-day forum are expected to endorse a new roadmap for greening African cities through sustainable finance, advocacy, policy reforms and the adoption of carbon free mobility. Enditem

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