Delegates Converge In Nairobi For World Congress Weeks After Africa Climate Summit

The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress in collaboration with the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) held the 8th ILFA African symposium at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Thursday, September 28.

The theme of this year’s congress is “Emergent Interaction” which aims at strengthening the landscape architecture in relation to Agenda 2030.

This, according to a press release by IFLA seen by Viral Tea, will be achieved through exploring new forms of collective problem-solving, borderless strategies and possible networks of ideas and cooperation while keeping the issues of climate change, social inequality and biodiversity loss at the forefront. 

Speaking at the Convention, representative of the State Department for Public Works Chief Architect, Lawrence Mochama emphasized the government’s commitment to making the cities sustainable in line with the African Climate Summit (ACS) discussions.

Delegates visit exhibits at the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress at Safari Park, Nairobi on September 28, 2023. /PHOTO.COURTESY

“The theme recognizes the undeniable truth that collaboration is required in order to work together to save our biodiversity. The government is committed not just to making urban cities a centre of economic development but also a place where people can live in dignity. 

Swedish Ambassador to Kenya, Caroline Vicini lauded the efforts made by the built environment professionals of both countries to learn from each other and discuss climate change.

“It is important to build smart, healthy and efficient cities where people can integrate, communicate and move freely. Landscape architecture plays an important role in shaping sustainable development,”

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, by 2015, most of Africa's population living in urban areas rose from 27 per cent in 1950 to 40 per cent in 2015.

The population is projected to rise by 60 per cent in 2050. Consequently, this worsens the climate change crisis.

President of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), Florence Nyole stressed on the significance of cooperation within the built environment as it enabled the professionals to reach shared environmental goals that rest on a foundation of social sustainability.

“This world congress will be an opportunity to promote learning and collaboration among built environment professions to find solutions to the major global challenges. The city of Nairobi relates very closely to the congress theme, with rapid urbanization, dealing with climate change, and adequate housing as priority issues,” said Nyole.

The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA ) is a global body of landscape architects represented through national member associations spread through Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

IFLA’s mission is to promote the landscape architecture profession within a collaborative partnership of the allied built-environment professions, demanding the highest standards of education, training, research and professional practice, and providing leadership and stewardship in all matters. 

Established in 1967, the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) is Kenya’s leading Built and Natural Environment professional association, incorporating Architects, Quantity Surveyors-, Town Planners, Engineers, Landscape Architects, Environmental Design Consultants and Construction Project Managers.

The Annual Convention is organized by the association and it brings together professionals in National and County Governments, the private sector and Academia.

President of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), Florence Nyole speaking at the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress at Safari Park, Nairobi on September 28, 2023. /PHOTO.COURTESY