The Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya, Ruvini De Silva, attended the opening ceremony of the Second African Universities and Communities Climate Week 2026 as the Chief Guest at Kenyatta University.
The event was co-organized by the Department of Environmental Science and Education of Kenyatta University and the Africa Community of Planetary Partners for Health and Environment (ACOPPHE), bringing together researchers, academics, policymakers, development partners, community leaders, indigenous knowledge holders, students, and young leaders to advance collaborative approaches to climate action.
The programme commenced with a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof. John Okumu, during which discussions focused on strengthening collaboration among universities, communities, and other stakeholders in addressing climate and environmental challenges. The Acting High Commissioner subsequently joined the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and other guests in a tree-planting initiative, symbolizing a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action.
Delivering the keynote address, the Acting High Commissioner highlighted that climate change in Africa is no longer a distant projection but a lived reality, manifested through droughts, floods, threats to food security, biodiversity loss, and growing health risks. She emphasized that climate change is not merely an environmental concern, but also a developmental, public health, economic, and human dignity issue.
Referring to the theme of the conference, “One Health for One Planet: Leveraging Local and Indigenous Innovations to Unite Urban and Rural Communities for Sustainable Development and Climate Action,” the Acting High Commissioner underscored the inseparable relationship between human and planetary health and the need for integrated solutions combining scientific knowledge, indigenous knowledge, and community experience.
She also highlighted the role of universities in translating research into policies, technologies, and practical solutions for communities, while emphasizing the contribution of indigenous communities and local knowledge holders as custodians of generations of ecological knowledge. She called for greater dialogue between scientific and indigenous knowledge systems to develop locally relevant and sustainable climate solutions.
The Acting High Commissioner further stressed that meaningful climate action requires inclusive and intergenerational partnerships, with Indigenous Peoples and youth at the centre of decision-making. She encouraged participants to forge partnerships that translate research and ideas into concrete action.
Concluding her keynote address, the Acting High Commissioner declared the African Universities and Communities Climate Week 2026 officially open and expressed hope that the gathering would strengthen partnerships between universities and communities, science and society, and local innovation and global action.
The participation of the Acting High Commissioner reflected Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation on climate change, environmental sustainability, knowledge sharing, and community-driven solutions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism - Sri Lanka.
