Alliance for Science has appointed a Kenyan, Jackline Koin as its spokesperson and advocate for resilience and sustainable development in the Global South.
Alliance for Science is a global communications initiative dedicated to promoting access to scientific innovation as a means of enhancing food security, improving environmental sustainability, and raising the quality of life globally.
The announcement and the unveiling of Koin were made in Nairobi on Friday by Dr Sheila Ochugboju, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Science.
Ochugboju, on unveiling Koin said her experience in working among the Maasai communities in Kajiado fits the bill.
“As the Resilience Ambassador for the Alliance for Science in the Global South, her role is to promote resilience, sustainable development, and evidence-based solutions specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the Global South,” said the executive director.
Global South refers to the nations of the world which are regarded as having a relatively low level of economic and industrial development, and are typically located to the south of more industrialised nations of the world.
Koin, she said, will advocate for science-based policies and practices, build partnerships, and drive initiatives that address climate change, natural disasters, and socio-economic disparities in the region.
“She will be our advocate for evidence-based approaches and initiatives that address the specific challenges and priorities of vulnerable communities in the Global South, with a focus on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and equitable development,” said Ochugboju.
The former Kajiado CEC member in her new global assignment will be expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity building among countries and stakeholders in the Global South, promoting the exchange of best practices, innovative solutions, and the utilisation of science and technology for resilience.
She will also engage with international organisations, donor agencies, governments, and local stakeholders to mobilise resources, forge partnerships, and secure support for resilience, building projects and programs in the Global South.
Ochugboju said Koin is also expected, among other issues, to foster networks and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the Global South, including NGOs, academia, local communities, and private sector actors, to advance resilience and sustainable development goals in the region.
“Coming from the Maasai community where there are gender issues and Koin has been able to shift her community to thinking differently about food taboos, and gender equality,” she said.
Ochugboju said they have given a free hand to define her new role the way she understands better.
Koin said her first role will be to visit Zambia, where she will meet about 5000 farmers in that country before moving to Bangladesh and the United States of America.
“We need to have in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the Global South, including climate change impacts, natural disasters, and socioeconomic disparities,” Koin said.
She said understanding international frameworks, agreements, and initiatives related to resilience, climate change, and sustainable development, with a focus on the Global South context is key to her new duty.
Alliance for Science is pushing for zero hunger globally and will be playing a major role in the preparation of the upcoming climate change conference in Nairobi.