Remarks at the U.S. Side Event at the 12th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

We have seen many significant developments in Africa over the last few years. Kenya 's own Wangari Maathai winning the Nobel Prize and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's election as President of Liberia are just two examples that spring to mind. I have had the honor to meet both.

These and other examples lead to a sense of momentum here. President Bush recognizes this and has made collaboration with Africa a priority.

His prioritization has led to shared efforts that range from increasing African exports, to helping minimize the impact of AIDS, to protecting natural resources. Programs such as the Africa Education Initiative, the Initiative to End Hunger, and the African Global Competitiveness Initiative exemplify our commitment to the continent and have one common goal: increasing development and improving the quality of life for people throughout Africa.

These efforts are achieving significant results, let me just give you some quick highlights:

We have trained 220,000 teachers, provided scholarships for 85,000 young girls, and distributed nearly 2 million textbooks to primary school students through the Africa Education Initiative; The Initiative to End Hunger in Africa is providing benefits to nearly 3 million people and making new agricultural technologies available to rural communities;

As a result of the African Global Competitiveness Initiative, the United States has increased imports from Africa by 88%, which is stimulating trade opportunities for African businesses and creating jobs.

These initiatives are important and effective, but our focus today is on our numerous efforts in sub-Saharan Africa that address energy needs, clean development, and climate change.

Climate change is a serious long-term issue that cannot be addressed in isolation. That is why we have many partnerships that address the linked and multiple challenges of ending poverty, increasing energy security, minimizing greenhouse gases, and increasing access to energy.

With us today, we have a great and experienced panel of U.S. government representatives who will be talking specifically about some of these partnerships.

Among many others, you will hear about the Congo Basin Forest Partnership, the Liberian Forest Initiative, and the Tropical Forest Conservation Act. These US government partnerships promote real actions on the ground in Africa to protect natural resources while also providing economic opportunities for communities that depend on the forest and wildlife resources.

You will also hear about our adaptation programs, such as the Famine Early Warning System Network, which use observation data to provide an early warning of possible upcoming famines. You will also learn more about our work with the Global Climate Observation System, which will ensure that the observations and information needed to address climate-related issues are obtained and made available to all potential users.

Our panel will also highlight US energy partnerships in Africa , such as the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles which helped to phase out leaded gasoline in all 49 sub-Saharan thus improving air quality for hundreds of millions.

Great promise lies ahead for Africa, and the U.S. will support African efforts on that journey. We look forward to working in partnership with Africa 's leaders to build a better future for all of the continent's people. Together there is no doubt that we can build this better future.