UoN – WRI partnership to steer implementation of RAMP in Kenya
The launch of the resilience and adaptation mainstreaming program (RAMP) was held at The University of Nairobi Taifa Hall on Wednesday 8th February 2023. RAMP is hosted by WRI and is jointly implemented with the Center for Sustainable Finance at SOAS University of London. The objective of RAMP is to build capacity related to climate risk management within the Ministries of Finance, Economics and Planning and selected local Universities. UoN as a founding member of the University Network for Strengthening Macro financial Resilience to Climate Change, under the RAMP will deliver high quality, context specific professional training needed for Kenya to better manage climate change risks and access adaptation finance at the required scale. UoN will also serve as a valuable source of knowledge through joint forums and research initiatives. RAMP will be implemented through the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Department of Environment and Earth Sciences and the Institute for Climate Change Adaptation at UoN.
While welcoming the partnership with WRI, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama articulated the integral role of the University in conducting ground breaking research on critical questions in order to understand the full impacts of climate change on economic development and financing for a more resilient infrastructure.
“We also have the opportunity to educate the next generation of policy and decision makers with the latest thinking on these issues. emphasized Prof. Kiama
He further added that the Resilience Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP) will support the University to improve the capacities of relevant faculties to conduct research and deliver the latest curriculum and materials to students as well grow partnerships with other research institutes and the Government of Kenya to chart a more resilient pathway for the country.
“We have the opportunity to do better in the midst of the climate crisis. The solution can be found with the universities as we conduct ground breaking research on critical questions to understand the full impact of climate change on our economic development, from the impact on our sustainable growth to how we might finance more resilient infrastructure and manage our public finances.” Said Prof. Kiama
During the launch, The President and C.E.O of WRI Ani Dasgupta made an interactive and eye-opening presentation on WRI’s “Stories to Watch” an annual series that sheds light on the stories that will have the biggest impact on the world and its people. The 20th annual Stories to Watch centered on one major question in the current critical climate decade: “Will we see more progress toward more sustainable and equitable development in 2023?” Stories to Watch 2023 aims to answer the question by focusing on actions governments, businesses, institutions and people must take to get the world on the right path.
“University of Nairobi can be the center to bring climate adaptation policies. We hope to develop the curriculum together, and I’m absolutely sure the University of Nairobi will be a leader at this.” Said Ani.
WRI seeks to accelerate climate action – reducing overall emissions and increasing resilience – while supporting Kenya’s ambitions for sustainable economic development.
