PCS Mudavadi urges global effort to safeguard oceans and eliminate plastic pollution

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on the global community to take decisive and united steps to protect the world’s oceans and tackle plastic pollution.

Addressing participants at the second Nairobi Environmental Diplomacy Symposium (NEDS-2) at the United States International University–Africa, Mudavadi emphasized the need for enforceable international agreements and increased funding to support marine conservation efforts.

The event, which brought together diplomats, environmental experts, and international partners—including the European Union, France, Costa Rica, and Indonesia—served as a platform for dialogue on advancing global environmental diplomacy and sustainable ocean management.

He emphasized three key actions: establishing an Ocean Science-Policy Panel to connect research with policy decisions; promoting sustainable ocean governance by ratifying the BBNJ and Fisheries Subsidies Agreements; and creating a UN Ocean Finance Facility to fund marine restoration and support coastal communities.

PCS Mudavadi, accompanied by Environment CS Dr. Deborah Barasa, outlined Kenya’s priorities ahead of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3).

Dr. Barasa highlighted three central focus areas that will guide Kenya’s engagement in the global summit.

Mudavadi stressed the critical need for a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic pollution, calling for a holistic approach that tackles the issue across its entire life cycle.

"We must eliminate plastic pollution from production to disposal. This must be supported by solid financing, technology sharing, and capacity development," he stated.

He further advocated for a fair shift to green growth, urging the international community to phase out single-use plastics and adopt circular and eco-friendly alternatives.

In his remarks, Mudavadi also reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to environmental leadership, welcoming the expansion of the UN’s presence in Nairobi with the addition of three new global offices.

"A fair green transition and a circular economy are essential, not optional. This development reinforces Nairobi’s status as a growing UN centre and showcases Kenya’s leadership on environmental matters," he said.

The NEDS-2 symposium served as a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration as Kenya positions itself to play a key role in shaping the agenda at UNOC-3.