Kenya to host major event as Japan pledges funding
Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma (left) and her Japanese counterpart Taro Kono meet during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad) Ministerial Meeting on October 6, 2018 in Japan. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- It will be the first global forum to discuss ways of harnessing the oceans’ resources to support economic growth.
- The blue economy concept is aimed at providing social and economic benefits for communities living around oceans.
Japan has offered to co-host the forthcoming High Level Sustainable Blue Economy Conference set to take place in Nairobi from November 26 - 28, 2018.
As part of its commitment, Japan is expected to contribute money to cater for the expenses.
Japan becomes the second nation to co-host an event with Kenya after Canada accepted the latter's request to co-host the Oceans Conference on April 19 this year.
The Asian nation's offer was made at a bilateral meeting on Saturday between Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma and her Japanese counterpart Taro Kono at Tokyo Prince Hotel, Japan.
During the meeting held on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad) Ministerial Meeting, Mr Kono also confirmed the plan.
More than 4,000 participants worldwide are expected to attend the three-day meeting, which will be the first global forum to discuss ways of harnessing the oceans’ resources to support economic growth.
GROWTH
Other countries that have also pledged funds are UK, Norway, Portugal, Fiji and South Africa.
The blue economy concept is aimed at providing social and economic benefits for communities living around oceans.
According to a World Bank document on the potential of the sector, the concept intends to "restore, protect, and maintain the diversity, productivity, resilience, key functions, and value of marine ecosystems".
Among the issues the World Bank expects the delegates will address are "increasing economic benefits for Small Islands Developing States and Least Developing Countries from sustainable management of marine resources, including fisheries, aquaculture and tourism".
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Kono commended Kenya’s leadership during Ticad VI in 2016 and underscored the importance of continual engagement and strategic partnership.
On her part, Ms Juma conveyed condolences to victims of Typhoon Jebi that caused massive destruction and killed at least 11 people early last month.
The ministers also pledged to collaborate in combating climate change, promoting environmental sustainability; and looking into Japan’s travel advisory on Kenya.
