On the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit last week, I got an opportunity to meet H.E. Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary General of the United Nations (UN). I had the glorious opportunity to listen to the words of wisdom from His Excellency even as we talked about everything sustainable development. H.E Ban Ki-moon is committed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens where he is a Co-chair. Through the center, his priorities have been to mobilize world leaders around a set of new global challenges, from climate change and economic upheaval to pandemics and increasing pressures involving food, energy, and water. He has sought to be a bridge-builder, to give voice to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, and to strengthen the organization itself.
As the chief architect of the 2030 agenda for SDGs, the first-ever Africa Climate Summit captured his attention. He joined hosts of delegates to discuss climate change adaptation and reinforce the need for increased attention and budgetary allocation for climate change mitigation efforts.
As an alumnus of the Global Citizen Scholarship Program awarded by the Ban Ki-moon Center, it was a delight meeting H.E., together with the CEO Monika Froehler. I also met current and previous beneficiaries of the program and networked even as I listened to their wonderful inspiring projects. I am excited about the dedication and commitment of young people toward pressing and urgent challenges the world is currently grappling with. With sufficient support, we can engineer the positive changes that we wish to see.
ODUOR KEVIN 