Duale meets Saudi Arabia's deputy Environment minister Osama I. Faqeeha

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Friday met with the Deputy Minister of Environment of Saudi Arabia Osama I. Faqeeha.

The CS is currently attending the 10th Special Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The discussions focused on ecosystem restoration, desertification, and drought management, as well as preparations for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP 16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Duale said a key highlight of the meeting was Kenya's ambitious goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, aimed at improving forest cover and combating climate change.

Both officials recognized the pressing challenges posed by desertification and the importance of collaboration in developing long-term solutions for land restoration and sustainable resource management.

The leaders also discussed the need for enhanced international cooperation to address climate change and promote sustainable development ahead of COP16.

The engagement signals a strengthening partnership between Kenya and Saudi Arabia, focused on environmental stewardship and resilience.

As the two nations prepare for the climate conference, their discussions could pave the way for collective action toward a sustainable future.

AMCEN is a platform for African ministers to discuss and strategise on pressing environmental issues impacting the continent.

This year's session in Abidjan is particularly significant as it aims to address the growing challenges posed by climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss.

It will also explore sustainable solutions tailored to the unique needs of African nations.

Kenya, known for her proactivity in climate action and environmental conservation, will share insights from its initiatives. 

The meeting which started on August 30 and will end September 6, is being held under the theme “Raising Africa’s Ambition to Reduce Land Degradation, Desertification and Drought.”

The theme underscores the critical need to address the region's current state of land degradation and restore this vital resource.