Africa Celebrates 40 Years of Environmental Leadership at AMCEN@40 Special Session in Nairobi

The 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) concluded its week-long proceedings in Nairobi with a distinguished high-level commemorative session marking four decades of environmental leadership across the continent. Hosted at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) by the Government of Libya, the event gathered 35 Environment Ministers and representatives from 53 African countries, development partners, UN agencies, and environmental stakeholders. The gathering aimed to celebrate Africa’s progress in environmental conservation and sustainable development while reaffirming a collective vision for a greener, more resilient continent. Representing His Excellency President William Ruto, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Hon. Dr. Deborah Barasa, expressed pride in hosting this milestone event. She highlighted AMCEN’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, noting its vital role in shaping international agreements from the Rio Conventions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Barasa emphasized Africa’s vast untapped potential in natural capital, renewable energy, and indigenous knowledge systems. She underscored the importance of harnessing these resources to promote resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods for all Africans. Established in Cairo in 1985, AMCEN has served as the continent’s premier platform for environmental governance, policy consensus, and regional coordination. Over the past 40 years, AMCEN has significantly amplified Africa’s voice in global environmental negotiations, developed critical tools for environmental management, and advanced strategies to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. During the session, UNON Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura commended AMCEN’s leadership in climate action and biodiversity conservation. She described the anniversary as both a celebration of achievements and a call to action, emphasizing the necessity of a whole-of-society approach to confront climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. Libya’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Arabi Mounir, who was elected as the new AMCEN President, urged African nations to reaffirm their commitment to principles of equity, environmental justice, and sustainable development. He stressed that Africa’s natural resources should serve as the foundation for prosperity, peace, and resilience across the continent. The African Development Bank’s Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth, Dr. Kevin Kariuki, highlighted AMCEN’s alignment with the Bank’s climate strategies, including investments in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and green infrastructure. He reaffirmed the Bank’s ongoing support for AMCEN’s initiatives, emphasizing Africa’s need to lead a transformative shift toward inclusive, green growth. Throughout its 40-year history, AMCEN has achieved notable milestones, including the launch of the Africa Green Stimulus Programme, the formulation of common African positions in global negotiations, and the production of influential reports such as the Africa Environment Outlook and the Africa Atlas of Natural Capital. These initiatives have empowered informed policymaking and mobilized resources across the continent. Hosting AMCEN@40 has also reinforced Kenya’s growing diplomatic and environmental leadership. The event has generated significant economic benefits, including increased tourism and hospitality activities, further underscoring Kenya’s commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation. As Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), Kenya reaffirmed its dedication to continental climate advocacy and strategic action. CS Barasa called on all stakeholders to sustain momentum through inclusive dialogue, innovative institutional approaches, and shared responsibility, emphasizing that Africa’s future hinges on collaborative and transformative efforts. Kenya remains committed to advancing Africa’s environmental agenda and fostering partnerships that drive sustainable development across the continent. Also in attendance were Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, Outgoing Executive Secretary,UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) , H.E Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment among others.