Diplomats call for urgent climate actions at UoN symposium

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has underscored the importance of public involvement in environmental diplomacy, stressing that inclusive decision-making is essential to solving environmental issues on a global scale.

Speaking at the University of Nairobi’s Environmental Diplomacy Symposium, which took place from February 6–7, 2025, Mudavadi highlighted that the government had approved a sessional paper that sought to increase public participation in diplomatic processes.

The symposium brought together key diplomatic figures and environmental experts, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to global climate action and sustainable development to discuss pressing environmental challenges facing Kenya and the global community.

During the event, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng Festus Ngeno, announced that Kenya is on track to achieve its ambitious target of 100% renewable energy by 2030.

He also outlined plans for a national landscape restoration strategy that aims to plant 15 million trees, addressing growing concerns about deforestation and climate change impacts across the country.

The symposium came at a crucial time as Kenya prepares to host two major environmental events: the second African Climate Summit in September 2025 and the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 7) later in the year.

These events will position Kenya at the forefront of global environmental leadership, with discussions expected to focus on the establishment of an African Climate Bank and the role of artificial intelligence in combating climate change.

A significant portion of the symposium focused on plastic pollution, a pressing issue for many Kenyan communities. David Ong’ari, Director of Compliance at NEMA, discussed Kenya’s pioneering role in banning single-use plastics and implementing extended producer regulations for waste management. These measures are expected to create new green job opportunities while addressing environmental concerns.

Indonesian Deputy Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme, Dani Rahdiansyah who was among the panellists at the event, highlighted shared challenges facing developing nations, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

His remarks resonated with Kenya’s experience, particularly regarding the plastics industry, where both nations seek sustainable solutions that protect jobs while addressing environmental concerns.

The symposium concluded with calls for urgent action on biodiversity protection, land restoration and climate targets, emphasizing the need for science-based approaches and improved access to multilateral financing for environmental initiatives that will benefit local communities.