Elizabeth Wathuti: Kenyan Activist Appointed To Global Commission Led By Singapore President

The announcement was made by the prestigious international body on Thursday, February 1. Her appointment to the GCEW is a testament to her significant contributions to environmental causes.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 1, 2024 - 15:53 Updated: Feb 1, 2024 - 15:55
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Elizabeth Wathuti: Kenyan Activist Appointed To Global Commission Led By Singapore President
Kenyan climate activist, Elizabeth Wathuti. /ELIZABETH WATHUTI

Kenyan climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti has been appointed to the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW) as a commissioner. 

The announcement was made by the prestigious international body on Thursday, February 1. Her appointment to the GCEW is a testament to her significant contributions to environmental causes.

Also appointed alongside Wathuti was another environmental advocate, Ma Jun, founder of China’s Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE) and a prominent figure in environmental conservation.

He is renowned for this pioneering book “China’s Water Crisis” and was named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s 100 Most Influential People.

Graphic announcing the appointment of Elizabeth Wathuti as a commissioner of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW). /GLOBAL COMMISSION ON THE ECONOMICS OF WATER

The 5th in-person GCEW Retreat in Zurich, Switzerland, witnessed the official welcome of Wathuti alongside other distinguished Commissioners and Co-chairs.

Wathuti, reflecting on her appointment, said, “As I join the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, I’m reminded that water is the essence of life, linking our environment, climate, nature, communities, and people. This appointment is a profound opportunity for me to bring these connections, on-ground locally-led solutions, and innovations to the forefront of global discourse.”

“I aim to infuse our discussions with a sense of urgency, and human lived experiences, ensuring that our actions today safeguard water for everyone, now and in the future. This is our moment to create a wave of positive change,” she added.

Wathuti emphasized the urgency of science-driven advocacy and action for sustainable water management and universal access to safe drinking water.

Her commitment to bridging the gap between local initiatives and global policies promises a fresh perspective within the Commission.

Ma Jun on his part emphasized the importance of a global water data infrastructure, stating, “Building a global water data infrastructure is essential to safeguard water as a global common good. It will empower multi-stakeholder governance, enable informed decision-making by governments, create corporate accountability and market incentives, and enable innovative solutions.”

The appointment of Wathuti aligns with Kenya's ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and underscores the significance of youth-led initiatives in shaping international policies.

The commission is led by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of the Republic of Singapore, Professor Mariana Mazzucato from University College London, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Professor Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

The founder of the Green Generation Initiative and Head of Campaigns at the Wangari Maathai Foundation was on September 12, 2023 unveiled among a list of high net worth and impactful world leaders in Time Magazines' annual TIME100 Impact Awards.

Wathuti was praised by the global magazine for her efforts in environmental conservation for the new generation through planting more than 30,000 trees in her home country since she founded the Green Generation organization in 2016.

Profile & First Taste of Popularity

Wathuti really burst into the limelight when she addressed more than 100 heads of state at COP26 in 2021, detailing how the climate crisis is already exacting a devastating toll on low-income countries and imploring leaders of the developed world to act urgently.

In her address at the United Nations (UN) climate change conference in Glasgow in November 2021, Wathuti's impassioned speech convinced United States (US) President Joe Biden to break security protocol.

Wathuti had served as the lead coordinator of the first-ever African Youth Climate Assembly, which sought to unite and amplify the perspective of young Africans in international climate discussions.

She helped craft a three-year strategy for the Wangari Maathai Youth Hub—a nonprofit organization, dedicated to the legacy of the late Kenyan environmental and social activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, that seeks to encourage leadership and self-development among children and young adults.

Read more: Elizabeth Wathuti: 28-Yr-Old Kenyan Who Has 11 Awards In 8 Years

Elizabeth Wathuti takes a selfie with President William Ruto on September 2, 2023. /ELIZABETH WATHUTI

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