Nairobi, Kenya - Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki on Monday affirmed that the government was tapping into the country’s abundance of renewable energy to secure a future that was based on a sustainable green economy. Addressing the 26th session of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council and Global Ministerial Forum at Gigiri UN Complex offices, Kibaki said large-scale investments in geothermal and wind energy production programmes were already under implementation in the country and supported with extensive forest restoration programmes.

The President emphasized that smart innovations of the world had enormous potential to deliver win-win outcomes and help nations to become less vulnerable to climate change.

He also advocated that the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility supported developing countries' transition towards green growth and urged the participants to provide new impetus towards the Green Economy agenda.

He expressed confidence that sustained global partnership would help nations succeed in addressing various challenges that afflict the world environment.

According to him, the government remained fully committed to continued hosting and supporting UNEP as well as the entire UN fraternity to execute their mandate.

He reiterated that the government had achieved significant strides in installing first-rate infrastructure in terms of roads and ensuring security in the country for the welfare of all Kenyans, the UN offices, staff, delegations and other stakeholders.

“Moreover, we have significantly improved and will further develop the road linking Gigiri to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” he said

Urging all actors to support the strengthening of environmental governance through reforms that will elevate the Nairobi-based UN agency to the status of other UN agencies on social and economic pillars, Kibaki acknowledged that the environmental challenges facing the world underscored the importance of a strong UNEP.

“Indeed, the Kenyan Government is encouraged by the United Nations' overall assurance in strengthening its presence in Nairobi. The construction of a multipurpose, ultra-modern and eco-friendly building on these grounds is a clear testimony to this commitment. We commend the UN fraternity for this investment.”

He reaffirmed Kenya’s full support of the international environmental governance process and the significant role played by UNEP.

Kibaki expressed concern that the world continues to face numerous catastrophes linked to environmental degradation, saying the challenges continue to negatively impact on national development goals.

He, however, expressed delight that two international forums last year, in Nagoya and Cancun, rekindled world hope through agreements that underlined commitments towards collective action among nations.

“It is my hope that this conference will renew political commitments to a sustainable environmental agenda. Furthermore, I trust that as you undertake deliberations, the spirit of Nagoya and Cancun will be carried forward as the world prepares for the United Nations
Conference on Sustainable Development next year.”

Noting that the global ministerial forum constitutes one of the strongest voices on environmental sustainability, the President asserted that many people look upon them to provide the necessary leadership and guidance in tackling the ever increasing challenges against world environment.

Earlier, he presented gifts of appreciation to the ‘Wafalme Kids for Kids’ troupe, who presented the award-winning ‘Trash is Cash’ song on Green Economy.

Addressing the session, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner commended Kenyans under the visionary leadership of President Kibaki for passing a new Constitution, which enshrined investment on geothermal and other renewable energy to increase electricity
connectivity in the country.

Steiner also praised Kenya’s Constitution for recognizing the need to increase forest cover from the current two per cent to ten per cent and restoration of water towers to brighten the future of the young generation.

Others who spoke during the session included the UN Under Secretary-General and HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos, the acting President UNEP Governing Council and Minister for Environment of Congo Henri Djombo and the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Convention and Biodiversity Edward Norton.

Pana 23/02/2011