UoN hosts Inaugural Nairobi Environmental Diplomacy Symposium
On 6 February 2025, the University of Nairobi hosted the inaugural symposium on Nairobi Environmental Diplomacy, convened in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs. Graciously held at the Chandaria Auditorium, the meeting was attended by diverse groups from government officials, ambassadors, experts on environmental affairs, and academia in deliberating global environmental challenges and solutions.
Chief Guest, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi graced the occasion.
Hon. Musalia Mudavadi in his speech, acknowledged the importance of the inaugural Environmental Development symposium and crucial role of increased awareness of key global engagements in Environmental Diplomacy. He highlighted some of the deliverables and the expected outcomes of the two-day symposiums and painted a picture of the expected outcomes in the future, He mentioned the global challenges faced by the environment today, citing the climate change, rapid development, technological advancements.
The Prime CS underscored the role Nairobi plays in environmental diplomacy being the citadel of the UNEP and the UN Habitat. He called on all the stakeholders to unite to mitigate the challenges and strategize on the way forward.
Hon. Musalia Mudavadi launched a legacy publication titled, ‘Celebrating 60 years of Kenya’s Environmental Diplomacy,’ to mark the inaugural symposium.
The Chancellor of the University of Nairobi and CEO of Global Centre on Adaptation, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, pointed out through a video address that it is time for the world to be united against the climate crisis.
‘We’re facing a climate crisis. A debt crisis. Wars on several continents. Global cooperation on life support. And yet, In all this chaos, we have – right before our eyes – the greatest economic opportunity of our times. Why? In a united world, A.I. innovation will launch us into the future. In a divided world, A.I. breaks down the structure of society and tears us apart. In a united world, building a resilient economy creates mass skilled employment for youth.’
The Ministry of Environment Principal Secretary, Dr. Eng. Festus Ng'eno, noted that Kenya is at the forefront of Climate Action. He highlighted some of the contributions of the nation to climate action and mentioned that the symposium will go a long way in contributing to the efforts including all the other environmental stakeholders.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hutchinson expressed gratitude and joy as the University made history as the host of the 1st ever Nairobi Environmental Diplomacy Symposium.
She underscored the University's commitment to Environmental Conservancy and noted, 'As we gather here today in this auditorium, we need to reflect on the words of the great daughter of Kenya, the 2004 Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wangari Maathai who said: Nature is kind, but could be unforgiving if abused. Let us not be part of those who participate in the abuse. Kenya is dedicated to fulfilling its Nationally Determined Contributions, Emission Reduction Targets and other pledges under various multilateral environmental agreements like the Paris Agreement of 2015. '
She underscored the University's commitment to the cause, 'We at the University of Nairobi are cognizant of the fact that we cannot attain our strategic objectives in the absence of environmental security. Hence, we are committed to all matters of environmentalism as visualised by our Environmental Policy. Through this policy document, the University of Nairobi has infused environmentalism in its endeavours. The Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies; the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation; the Solar Academy, and the proposed decarbonisation project at the Faculty of Built Environment and Design are a few examples of the flagship initiatives that the University of Nairobi has taken on as part of its contribution to safeguarding the welfare of the environment.'
The Vice-Chancellor was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Leonida Kerubo.
Dr. Korir Sing’oei, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, spoke on combating climate denial and expanding global collaborations for sustainable development. In honor of Kenya's longstanding dedication to environmental preservation, the book titled
A panel discussion ensued on critical issues facing the country, like land degradation and pollution, offering insights into how to tackle such environmental challenges. The symposium touched on not only the central role that Kenya plays in global environmental diplomacy but also the commitment of the University of Nairobi to sustainability through its different environmental initiatives.
It was an excellent avenue for collaboration, deliberation, and discourse that set the tone for setting the global environmental agenda and producing joint efforts toward a sustainable future.
