The call is contained in the Kampala Children’s East African Community Declaration on Climate, adopted during the inaugural East African Children’s Summit on Climate Change in Kampala, Uganda.

The meeting also reviewed progress in implementing the EAC E-Commerce Strategy and explored ways to prepare Partner States for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade.

They also plan to leverage the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to attract international visitors and expand tourism opportunities across the region.

The talks focused on strengthening regional health security, mobilising climate finance, promoting investment and advancing regional integration among EAC Partner States.

The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by commissioners and heads of tax administrations from CATA member states to the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, on Thursday.

The ministers endorsed measures aimed at improving cross-border health surveillance, information sharing and access to essential medical supplies as the region responds to ongoing outbreaks and other health emergencies.

Mbundi commended China for what he described as longstanding friendship and practical support to the regional bloc, saying the contribution would continue to support the EAC integration agenda.

Some countries are also diverting as much as nine per cent of their national budgets to disaster response, reducing resources available for long-term development.

EAC Director of Planning Aime Uwase said stronger coordination would be critical to maintaining economic stability and implementing the bloc’s monetary union plans.

South Sudan’s Minister of East African Community Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, said his country was committed to ensuring that the views and interests of its citizens are reflected in the constitutional process.