As the world gears for the GPLC Africa slated for 25th to 27th June in Nairobi, Konza Technopolis emerges as a trailblazer in not only sustainable development but also environmental revival. A world-class city in Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development portfolio, Konza will be powered by a thriving information, communications, and technology (ICT) Sector, superior reliable infrastructure, and a business-friendly governance system.
The conference is expected to involve more than 500 delegates from 25 countries, who will explore and discuss ways to promote peace, development, and cooperation in the African context in the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’, under the auspices of the Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF) and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK).
Speaking during a media engagement in Nairobi on June 7, Beryl Omolo, Senior Environment and Sustainability Officer at the Technopolis said Konza is meant to be a green city with over 1600 Green Spaces. She further expressed the project’s commitment highlighting the tree planting exercise on 25th June where GPLC Africa 2024 delegates will gather to plant 30,000 seedlings, symbolizing a shared responsibility for a greener future in Kenya and Africa.
“The exercise reaffirms Kenya as a nation of Peace and Environmental sustainability and further sends a significant message of the nation’s leadership in environmental revival,” said Daniel Juma, the Executive Director, of GPF Kenya. He further highlighted President Ruto’s Agenda of planting over 1 billion trees by 2030, as a flagship of environmental conservation.
Additionally, Amb. Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, Rotary representative to UNICEF applauded the environmental revival effort by the conference terming it a move from ‘talk shop to action’. “The ethnobotanical gardens in Konza will provide a better climate in the technopolis by minimizing the carbon footprint. Additionally, the trees will be a source of food and the extraction of essential oils from the plants will provide economic empowerment. She added.
The conference which will be held at Radisson Blu Hotel is expected to attract the youth, underscoring the need for their voice in policy building and execution of resolutions. Speaking to the media, Bishop John Warari of the Interreligious Council of Kenya urged the youth to turn up for the tree planting exercise and, to actively take part in the conference’s roundtables. “Instead of going out to benchmark, the world is coming to Kenya. We need to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu and strive to see ourselves in others.” He said.
Kenya’s President William Ruto who has emerged as a beacon for African renaissance and unity is expected to deliver the keynote address at the event, highlighting Kenya’s unique position in advancing peace and sustainable development in the continent.
