By Lauryne Akoth
President William Samoei Ruto on Thursday officially opened the UNEA-6 High-Level Segment and National Statements in Gigiri.
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) has been ongoing since 26th February at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and is set to conclude on 1st March 2024.
The primary focus of UNEA-6 is exploring how multilateralism can effectively address the interconnected challenges of climate change, nature, and biodiversity loss, as well as pollution and waste, collectively known as the triple planetary crisis.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including several heads of state; Hassan Mohamud(Somalia), Mokweetgesi Masisi (Botswana), Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Brice Oligui (Gabon), Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali and several heads of delegation.
Other dignitaries included the United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis, UNEP Director-General, and the president of UNEA, Ms Leila Benali.
Addressing the assembly, Ruto noted that we are currently facing a climate emergency, characterized by deteriorating nature, diminishing lands, disappearing species, and pervasive pollution.
“The consequences of our high-carbon, resource-intensive growth have pushed certain planetary systems to precarious tipping points, risking irreversible damage and posing a threat to humanity,” he said.
Ruto however emphasized that despite challenges, the members of the Assembly, the represented governments, and the broader UNEA and UNEP community, including scientists, civil society, youth, Indigenous People, and businesses should work collectively to unite against the triple planetary crisis and work collaboratively to stabilize the climate, restore nature, and reduce pollution.
During his address, President Ruto praised the leaders and delegates for their commendable efforts in advocating for sustainable development. He remarked that they deserve a holiday. “You’ve done a very good job and you deserve some holiday after this meeting. I just want to give you some hints on where to find a place to enjoy your time after this very committed service to humanity,” said Ruto
The president recommended the Nairobi National Park to the delegates. Making light of the moment, he said, “You can visit Nairobi National Park. I however want to warn you that we have a fence around the Nairobi National Park but sometimes the lions break out.”
“If you thought it’s only humans who elect members of parliament and have a legislative body, I invite you to go to Naivasha and you’ll find a phenomenon called the baboon parliament where baboons meet regularly at a particular place and time and they discuss their legislative issues,” said Ruto.
He also urged the leaders to visit the Maasai Mara noting that the wilder beast migration is orderly in comparison to human migration as they know how to move without causing any environmental damage. Lamu and Tana River were also at the top of his recommendation list with the whale migration happening in the latter.
In the spirit of the climate change agenda, the head of state also hosted the Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada, Steven Guilbeault at the Statehouse. Sharing via his X page, the president said,” We must consolidate our thoughts and ideas on climate change since it is posing a global threat to our existence. The series of climate meetings must result in a universal and lasting outcome. Kenya appreciates Canada’s contribution to the climate change agenda.”