Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar has called on Kenyans to play a leading role in protecting the environment, warning that the global climate crisis is accelerating with devastating consequences.

Speaking during a visit to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on June 2, 2025, as part of her ongoing state visit to Kenya, President Musar emphasised the urgency of collective climate action, stating that no country is immune to the changing climate.

“Climate change knows no borders. We are now witnessing hurricanes and tornadoes in places like Germany—countries that have never experienced such extreme weather before. A year and a half ago, Slovenia suffered catastrophic flooding that affected nearly two-thirds of our territory. We had never seen anything like it,” she stated.  

President Musar warned that the window to act is rapidly closing and urged the global community to treat environmental conservation as a shared responsibility.

“There is only one Earth. We must protect it—not only for ourselves but for future generations,” she added.

Highlighting the stark contrast in global emissions, Musar noted that G20 nations account for over 80% of global carbon dioxide emissions, naming Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy among the largest emitters.

In contrast, Africa contributes just 6%, while countries like Slovenia have even lower footprints.

Climate action

“No nation is too small to make a difference. Climate action must be global, inclusive, and urgent,” she insisted.

President Musar was accompanied by JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof Victoria Wambui Ngumi, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, and Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha, who all echoed the call for stronger, data-driven and climate-resilient solutions.

Dr.Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, also praised the role of academic institutions like JKUAT in developing long-term, effective, and locally driven climate strategies.

He noted ongoing collaborations between the UN and Kenyan universities aimed at enhancing climate research, innovation, and policy.

The President’s sentiments came amid calls for universities to take a leading role in driving innovation and sustainability efforts.

Zetech Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research, and Student Affairs, Prof. Alice Njuguna, urged higher learning institutions to spearhead the climate change agenda by mainstreaming innovative solutions and research.

Speaking during the institution’s 7th Research and Innovation Week themed: “Education for Sustainable Prosperity: Empowering Lives Through Innovation”, Prof Njuguna emphasised the urgency of embracing advanced technologies and innovative practices to address the devastating effects of climate change.

She noted that global warming has caused widespread suffering, including hunger, loss of life, and irregular rainfall patterns that threaten agriculture and water security.