In late 2017, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) held an important gathering which Kutoka was part of which focused on the critical issue of pollution—a theme that resonates deeply with the global community’s increasing urgency to address environmental degradation. As the world’s largest environmental assembly, UNEA brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, environmental NGOs, and top business leaders, to forge pathways towards a more sustainable future.
A particularly significant highlight of the event was the series of engagements centered around the Dandora dumpsite, a notable environmental hotspot in Nairobi, Kenya. This location was used as a case study to illustrate the profound social, economic, and environmental impacts of pollution.
Site Visit and Discussions The event schedule included a visit to the Dandora dumpsite on November 30th organised and led by Kutoka, where delegates had the opportunity to observe firsthand the challenges posed by the site. The visit was intended to provide a vivid illustration of pollution’s impacts and set the stage for deeper discussions on potential solutions. The assembly convened at St. John’s Catholic Church Korogocho for a preliminary briefing and reconvened there after the site visit for a debrief, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in addressing environmental issues.
In-depth Sessions at UNEA Further discussions took place on December 4th at the UNEA Green Tent, focusing on integrating the European Union’s circular economy strategy and Sustainable Development Goal 12 to transition from poverty to a green economy. This session presented by Kutoka Network provided a platform to present the Dandora case to an international audience, discussing the broader implications of waste management practices and exploring viable solutions to enhance sustainability.
Policy Influence and Future Engagements These discussions at UNEA were not just about presenting problems but also about fostering international collaboration to find actionable solutions. The involvement of various stakeholders, including the county government and international environmental experts, emphasized the multidimensional approach required to tackle such complex environmental issues.
By participating in these events, Kutoka Network and other stakeholders were able to draw global attention to the specific challenges faced by communities like those around Dandora, while also highlighting the potential for scalable solutions that can be implemented in similar contexts worldwide.
The UNEA’s focus on pollution and its commitment to engaging diverse groups reflects a global acknowledgment of the need for concerted action and inclusive dialogue in environmental governance. The discussions and outcomes from this assembly serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges we face and the persistent efforts required to overcome them. This engagement is crucial for driving forward the global environmental agenda and ensuring that all voices, especially those from the most affected regions, are heard in these critical conversations.