Africa marks 40 years of environmental action in Nairobi

NAIROBI – Africa’s environmental ministers closed a week-long conference in Nairobi with a commemorative session marking 40 years since the establishment of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN).

The special gathering took place at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), hosted by the Government of Libya. A total of 35 environment ministers and representatives from 53 African countries attended, alongside development partners, UN agencies and environmental experts.

The event was aimed at celebrating Africa’s progress in environmental protection while discussing future actions towards sustainable development and climate resilience.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, who represented President William Ruto, described AMCEN as a key platform for driving Africa’s environmental priorities. She pointed to the continent’s potential in natural capital, renewable energy, and indigenous knowledge systems as key drivers of economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.

The new president of AMCEN, Libya’s Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Arabi Mounir, called on African countries to strengthen cooperation and promote environmental justice and equity.

UNON Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura praised AMCEN for amplifying Africa’s voice on global environmental matters and called for a more inclusive approach to tackling climate change and environmental degradation.

Dr. Kevin Kariuki from the African Development Bank committed to continued support for AMCEN’s programmes, including investments in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and green infrastructure.

Kenya also used the event to reaffirm its position as a leader in climate diplomacy. The gathering contributed to the local economy through tourism and hospitality, while drawing attention to Kenya’s environmental leadership on the continent.

AMCEN was founded in Cairo in 1985 and remains the continent’s top decision-making platform on environmental governance and sustainable development.