Amb. Esther Waringa (in Green) joined by youth for a picture during the World Environment Day at Strathmore University
Strathmore University was buzzing with purpose on World Environment Day, as students and young changemakers gathered to hear a powerful message: the fight for the planet’s future starts now, and the youth are already at the forefront.
Former presidential aspirant and climate advocate, Amb. Esther Waringa, was among the keynote speakers at the Nairobi event. Speaking passionately to a packed auditorium, she urged young people not to see themselves as mere bystanders in environmental matters.
“Sustainable solutions are not a distant dream; they are happening now, and we are making them happen. We are the future, yes, but more importantly, we are the present and we have the power to drive change today,” she proclaimed, urging the youthful audience to harness their creativity and energy to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Waringa spotlighted youth-led projects already making waves in clean energy and circular economy spaces, and challenged the audience to act whether by campaigning for greener policies, reducing their carbon footprints, or inspiring others to follow suit.
“Every small action counts,” she said, as she encouraged an interest in environmental stewardship among the attendees
She also pointed out the role of governance in environmental progress. According to Waringa, real change requires more than passion it needs strong systems, accountability, and leadership that reflects environmental priorities.
The event also featured H.E. Ambassador Hashemite, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) from the Kingdom of Jordan, who reiterated the urgency of collective action. He urged youth not to wait for a perfect moment but to take initiative now.
In an auditorium beaming with youthful faces, the Jordan ambassador stressed on the necessity of integrating youth perspectives into environmental policies so as to ensure their voices are included in every decision-making process
The event brought together a diverse panel of speakers, including Ian Abuki, President of the Sustainable Energy Solutions Coalition (SESC), who stressed the importance of partnerships.
“No one group can do this alone,” he said. “We need a united effort youth, government, businesses, and civil society if we’re to build lasting solutions.”
Environmental advocate Tamala Rayola, founder of the green startup Zingira, also spoke, highlighting the need for everyone to do their part. “Whether you’re planting trees, starting an eco-business, or pushing for policy change, it all matters,” she said.
Pertaining to a more global context, Indonesia’s Deputy Permanent Representative of UNEP and UN-Habitat, Danny Rahdiansyah, brought to the fore the increasing danger of plastic waste, particularly in the context of lakes and rivers.
He used this opportunity to garner support for the forthcoming World Lake Day planned on the 27th of August which seeks to enhance freshwater conservation.
The Strathmore event was much more than a celebration; it served as a motivational call. A pointer to the fact that taking steps to protect the environment goes beyond the one-off tree planting exercises or participation in fora. It involves daily choices, and how those choices are made by energent citizens towards a greener and sustainable environment.
As the speeches wrapped up and students shared their reflections, one thing was clear: the youth aren’t just listening they’re ready to lead.
