By Neville Ng’ambwa
In a significant step toward fostering environmental sustainability, Kenya held bilateral talks with the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, at the Kenyan Consulate in New York. The discussions centered around the proposed EU-Kenya Green Partnership, designed to enhance cooperation on various sustainable development initiatives. This partnership includes a focus on carbon markets, environmental conservation, climate resilience, and the ambitious goal of Kenya’s 15-billion tree ecosystem restoration program, set to be completed by 2032.
Under President William Ruto’s leadership, Kenya has taken a leading role in global climate action. The country co-hosted a high-level event with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the UN Headquarters in New York, aimed at generating momentum for the Global Plastic Pollution Instrument.
Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Environment Adan Dual chairing the Ministerial Session, facilitated a discussion where ministers across the globe expressed support for finalizing the treaty. The treaty will target plastic waste reduction, promote recycling, and work to curb the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
The next significant step in this global effort will occur in Busan, South Korea, in November, where the Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee will convene for its final session. The goal is to establish a legally binding international instrument to tackle plastic pollution, marking a major milestone in global environmental governance.
