On 28–30 August 2024, the 14th Africa RCE Regional Meeting was held in Eldoret, Kenya, bringing together Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development from the continent. The event was hosted by RCE North Rift and the University of Eldoret on the theme “The Role of RCE in Climate Action, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
In opening remarks, Akpezi Ogbuigwe (Regional Advisor to Africa Region RCEs) emphasized the critical role of RCEs as hubs of action for sustainable development in local communities. Jonghwi Park (Academic Programme Officer, UNU-IAS) called for immediate and collective climate action, stressing that RCEs are at the forefront of local climate initiatives. Tokie Izaki (Deputy Director of Environmental Education, Ministry of the Environment, Japan) noted that the meeting aimed to strengthen the African RCE network and its ESD efforts.
Participants engaged in sessions on integrating gender, youth and community perspectives into climate action in the context of ESD and the SDGs. Discussion topics included the role of RCE multi-stakeholder partnerships for climate action and climate financing, enhancing food security and sustainable livelihoods through climate initiatives, SDG localization, addressing waste and pollution control, and tackling biodiversity loss.
The Africa RCE Youth Forum was held on the final day, gathering young leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of youth-led climate initiatives. The forum included project pitching sessions, art exhibitions, the election of the Africa RCE youth leader, and cultural performances that showcased the creativity and innovation of Africa’s youth.
Further information about the meeting is available on the RCE website.
