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HIGH COMMISSIONER OF KENYA TO THE UNITED KINGDOM KENYA-UK EVENT UPDATES KENYA TO HOST HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY FROM 26TH -28TH NOVEMBER, 2018 Kenya will host a High-Level Conference on Sustainable Blue Economy from 26th -28th November, 2018 in Nairobi. The intention to host the conference was announced during the Third Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi by President Uhuru Kenyatta in December 2017. The Ministerial Conference will provide a forum to promote global conversation on sustainable development of the Blue Economy. The event is expected to attract about 6000 participants from all UN member States, UN Agencies, Regional Economic Communities, International Organizations, Civil Societies and the private Sector engaged in the Blue Economy activities. The theme of the Conference is Blue Economy and the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. It will focus on new technologies and innovation for oceans, seas, lakes and rivers as well as the challenges, potential opportunities, priorities and partnerships. The conference is anchored on the two conceptual pillars of: Sustainability, Climate Change and Controlling Pollution, and Production, Accelerated Economic Growth, Jobs and Poverty Alleviation. The sub-themes include Transportation and Global Connectivity; Employment, Job Creation and Poverty Eradication; Cities, Tourism Entertainment and Blue Economy; Energy, Mineral Resources and Sustainable Development; Ending Hunger, Securing food supplies, and Promoting good health and dietary practices; management and sustaining of marine life, conservation and sustainable economic activity; climate action, agriculture and pollution free oceans; maritime security and enforcement; people communities and societies: the inclusive blue economy. By hosting the conference Kenya affirms its appreciation of the importance of conserving and sustainably using our oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources through enabling cooperation for shared prosperity. To ensure ownership of the process for hosting the Conference by all, the Government of Kenya has invited co-hosting and Co-Sponsorship from Governments and other Institutions. Visit www.kenyahighcom.org.uk or contact the Kenya High Commission through info@kenyahighcom.org.uk for more information. KENYA JOINS WORLD COMMONWEALTH LEADERS IN LONDON Kenya was among the 53 countries that attended the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) held in April in London. The bi-annual CHOGM, together with associated forums (Youth, Business, Peoples and Women’s) provides a regular opportunity for Commonwealth Leaders to take stock of progress or constrains in the achievement of its goals and objectives for the intervening period and to set agendas for the succeeding period. It also serves as an ideal forum for Leaders to reaffirm the member countries’ shared history and their commitment to the organisation’s common values, ideals and guiding principles. CHOGM provides a platform for leaders to discuss and review shared global challenges, and agree on how to work together to create a better future for all their citizens, particularly the youth. The agenda of the meeting was the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, supporting small and vulnerable states and recognition of opportunities for economic development from the oceans. Among the issues agreed on by the Commonwealth leaders include: to unite and promote economic CONTINUES PAGE 14 3RD EDITION | JULY 2018 7