Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 15th UN climate conference of parties (Cop-15) in Abidjan, he called on developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mobilise funds to help developing countries adapt to climate change.

Cop-15 gave Ivory Coast the opportunity to present an important programme in the fight against desertification, called the Abidjan Initiative.

The initiative aims to mobilise $1.5bn (£1.2bn) from donors to restore degraded land and strengthen agricultural productivity in the country.

Mr Ouattara called for the major decisions of the climate agreement adopted in 2015 in Paris to be accelerated.

He also urged developed countries to deliver on their commitment to mobilise $100bn per year to help developing countries adapt to climate change and their energy transition.

This climate change treaty calls for all nations to take efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its impact, with support to help developing countries do so.

Leaders and environmental groups attending Cop-15 will also discuss an ambitious plan to plant 500 million trees across West and East Africa.