Diplomatic leaders and environmental experts convened at the University of Nairobi for the Environmental Diplomacy Symposium, where urgent calls for climate action and sustainable development took center stage. The event, held from February 6–7, 2025, underscored Kenya’s growing role in global environmental leadership ahead of two major upcoming environmental summits.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the importance of public involvement in environmental diplomacy, stating that inclusive decision-making is essential for tackling climate challenges on a global scale. He announced the government’s approval of a sessional paper aimed at enhancing public participation in diplomatic processes related to environmental conservation and policy-making.
During the symposium, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. He also unveiled a national landscape restoration strategy aimed at planting 15 million trees to combat deforestation and mitigate climate change impacts.
The discussions at the symposium come at a crucial time as Kenya gears up to host 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 high-profile events are expected to elevate Kenya’s position as a leader in global climate action. Key topics of discussion will include the establishment of an African Climate Bank and the role of artificial intelligence in addressing environmental challenges.
One of the major issues tackled at the symposium was plastic pollution, a pressing concern for many Kenyan communities. David Ong’ari, Director of Compliance at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), highlighted Kenya’s progress in banning single-use plastics and implementing extended producer regulations for waste management. These policies, he noted, will not only address environmental concerns but also create green job opportunities.
Indonesian Deputy Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme, Dani Rahdiansyah, was among the distinguished panelists at the event. He emphasized the shared challenges faced by developing nations, particularly in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. His remarks aligned with Kenya’s ongoing efforts to transition towards a greener economy while safeguarding jobs in industries such as plastics.
The symposium concluded with a collective call for urgent action on biodiversity protection, land restoration, and climate targets. Experts stressed the need for science-based approaches and improved access to multilateral financing to ensure that local communities benefit from global environmental initiatives. As Kenya prepares for upcoming climate summits, the country remains at the forefront of global environmental advocacy, setting the pace for sustainable development in Africa and beyond.
