UoN@50 Webinar: Establishing a Decentralized and Connected Society for Localizing SDGs in the Face of COVID-19

The Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies (WMI) was privileged to hold the first UoN@50 Webinar Series on Wednesday 23 September, 2020 from 2.00pm. Prof. Stephen Kiama, Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi, officially opened the Webinar. In his remarks, Prof. Kiama pointed out that the WMI carries the legacy of the late Prof. Wangari Maathai. He noted that this being the month when we celebrate the 9th anniversary of Prof. Wangari Maathai’s death, it behoves on us to perpetuate the ideals and philosophy of the late Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, the second Distinguished Chair, WMI, delivered a key address on “Establishing a Decentralized and Connected Society for Localizing SDGs in the Face of COVID-19”. Prof. Takeuchi noted that we live in a global society and we need to connect centralized structures to a global level. He emphasized on the need to rethink the relationship between urban and neighbouring rural areas to create a sustainable society which will be resilient against various challenges like Covid-19. The panellists were Prof. Robert Rukwaro (Principal, CAE) and Prof. Ratemo Michieka, Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection (CAVS). The webinar was attended by about 60 people from various institutions and academic disciplines as well as Non-governmental organizations like the Green Belt Movement among others.

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