Collaboration is the key to a sustainable future, says President Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta said Tuesday that collaboration among countries, cities and communities is the key to ensuring a sustainable future for the world.

The President said the world has a unique opportunity to create an environmentally friendly model that maximizes resource use both on land and in the oceans.

The Head of State spoke at the World Forum of Governors and Mayors, which was held on the sidelines of the conference on the sustainable blue economy currently being held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center.

President Kenyatta said that the biggest issue facing humanity is how to feed 9 billion people the world should have in 2050.

He said the easiest way to take up the challenge is to increase community resilience and help protect the environment.

The president said that the other solution to the expected population problem was to foster collaboration between different levels of government and partnerships between cities.

He said that three quarters of the world's population lived in coastal cities and that it was necessary to focus on their sustainability.

"Our vision should not only be about building cities and villages, but also about creating viable jobs and neighborhoods for our communities," said the president.

President Kenyatta said measures should also be taken to minimize the impact of global warming, especially on coastal cities.

He said that one of the biggest threats to cities around the world is the rise in sea level, caused by the dilation of water at higher temperatures and the melting of glaciers in the north and south poles due to climate change and variability.

"Scientists estimate that 275 million people worldwide live in areas that will eventually be flooded at a warming of 3 ° C. Although sea level will not rise overnight, the calculated increases will be" blocked " at a temperature rise of 3 ° C, which means that they will be irreversible even if the warming ends up slowing down.

The President said that the conference on the sustainable blue economy was taking place at the right time, when governments and non-governmental organizations realize that it is imperative to work together for a sustainable future for humankind .

President Kenyatta said Kenya has several cities along the coast, lakes and rivers, including two of the country's largest cities. He added that Mombasa and Kisumu, in particular, offer investment opportunities in renewable energy, tourism, fish processing and storage, shipping and shipping, among others.

He called on investors to take advantage of opportunities offered by water supply, sanitation and waste management.

"The national government and our counties have established a portfolio of bankable investment projects of nearly $ 1.4 billion US in these areas," said the president at another conference for businesses and businesses. the private sector organized on the sidelines of the conference.

He urged investors to engage with countries in blue economy projects and to seek ways to collaborate.

"We look forward to strengthening collaboration between cities, towns, cities, and with governments, international organizations and the business sector to sustainably develop our cities and towns," said the president.

He added, "We have a unique opportunity to turn increased urbanization into a more environmentally sustainable and socially just path."

The president called for increased investments in the blue economy but also warned that the health of water resources should never be compromised for short-term economic gains.

He said the Kenyan government will continue to play a facilitating role that will allow private companies to thrive by exploiting the opportunities of the untapped potential of the blue economy.

Seychelles President Danny Faure said his country is committed to sharing its experiences in the blue economy with other African countries.

He said that the organization of the conference on the blue economy by Kenya was a sign that Africa has finally realized the reality of the richness of its oceans and lakes.

"We are determined to work with the African Union to ensure synergy in the development of the blue economy," said President Faure.

African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki, UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimuna Shariff and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also addressed the Governors' Forum and mayors.

Cabinet and Social Welfare Secretary Ukur Yattani said the government was discussing with development partners to increase funds for remittances to the elderly.