AUC gives Uhuru special award for first blue economy forum

The African Union Commission (AUC) on Tuesday evening presented President Uhuru Kenyatta with a special award for his role in hosting the world’s first blue economy conference.

The summit has been taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi since November 26 and will end on Wednesday.

President Kenyatta was honoured for mobilising and bringing the world together for a successful and historic conference, which at least 18,000 delegates from 170 countries have attended.

While presenting the award, AUC chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat commended Mr Kenyatta for taking the lead role in driving Africa’s blue economy agenda and ensuring the continent harnesses its rightful share of marine resources.

President Kenyatta said Kenya is proud to push a global agenda to ensure Africa benefits from the expansive and highly lucrative blue economy.

For many years, the head of State said, the continent’s blue economy resources have been exploited by others so it is time for Africans to come together and make use of what is left.

“Africa has not benefitted from this depleting resource,” he said while accepting the award during a banquet hosted by the AUC in honour of the heads of State and government as well as delegates attending the conference,

“The continent needs to come together to exploit the remaining resources for its benefit and that of the future of mankind.”

President Kenya said the government will continue working closely with the African Union for a successful blue economy agenda.

He thanked the AUC for the award saying the honour belongs to the “great people of Kenya”.

There were three categories of awards – countries, associations and individuals who have made significant contributions towards Africa’s blue economy agenda.

Besides President Kenyatta, whose award was described as special and most important, presidents Faure Gnassingbé (Togo) and Danny Faure (Sychelles), and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth were honoured for also championing the continent’s blue economy campaign.

The AUC also recognised Canada for co-hosting the Nairobi conference alongside Japan.

The commission’s chair noted that the blue economy agenda is important to the continent as 90 percent of its exports are transported through maritime routes.

“This is why our heads of State and government have decided to prioritise the blue economy,” he told the delegates.

Mr Mahamat called for the prudent management of the resource and respect for the marine ecosystem, which he termed a blessing.

The three-day conference ends today with resolutions to guide Africa on how to harness, protect, sustain and manage its marine resources.

Deputy President William Ruto and AU’s special envoy for infrastructure, Raila Odinga, were among the guests at the banquet, which took place at a Nairobi hotel.