April 11, 2025

Distinguished guests, 

esteemed colleagues, 

dear friends,

What a profound privilege it is to stand here today, joining the remarkable family of Sunhak Peace Prize Laureates. 

This moment fills me with deep gratitude and humility—to be recognized by a Prize dedicated to resolving worldwide suffering, conflict, poverty, and environmental threats, and guided by a mission rooted in sustainable development, conflict resolution, and ecological conservation. Khamsamida.

To the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, thank you for seeing the value of our work and for this extraordinary honor.

Chairman Ban Ki-Moon, your tireless leadership at the helm of the UN and your unyielding commitment to peace and adaptation have inspired countless individuals, including me. It is an honor to stand alongside you and other peacemakers. My late mother, Wangari Maathai, was deeply proud to serve as one of your UN Messengers of Peace in 2009—a bond that continues to shape the legacy I carry forward.

President Macky Sall, thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement. I am also delighted to share this special moment with my daughter Elsa, whose love and enthusiasm fuel me every day, along with my family—Ruth and Papa—who have always been my steadfast cheerleaders. Thank you for your sacrifices, patience, and boundless belief in me.

Words feel insufficient to express the depth of gratitude I feel right now. In moments like these, we are reminded that we stand on the shoulders of giants—those who paved the way for us, who faced adversity with courage, and who proved that lasting change is possible.

My greatest inspiration has always been my mother’s belief that the most meaningful work is that which benefits others. She instilled in me the principle that true satisfaction comes from service to others—a lesson that guides my every decision.

Today, as the Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute, Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation, and a Full Member of the Green Belt Movement, I wake up every day driven by our mission to catalyze inclusive transformation for people and planet. From championing global movements for nature protection and restoration, to supporting the restoration of Kenya’s landscapes to empowering young Africans to lead with courage, our work represents the hope and resilience we are building for generations to come.

At WRI, our focus is on fostering a just transition—transforming national economies in ways that align with nature, people, and planet, ensuring shared prosperity and deep, lasting resilience. To be recognized with the Sunhak Peace Prize during such turbulent times—particularly when my region, Africa, and my country, Kenya, face immense vulnerability—is an incredible honor.

The vision set forth by Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, of peace built through collaboration, service, and upliftment of the most vulnerable, resonates deeply with me. It reminds us that humanity is bound by our shared responsibility for one another—where every person, family, and nation plays a role in serving the greater good.

Despite the significant headwinds of recent political and environmental challenges, the economic and scientific case for climate and development goals remains unequivocal. For Africa, where countries lose up to 5% of GDP responding to climate extremes, and governments redirect nearly 9% of budgets to these crises, the need for transformation is urgent. We must recalibrate, not only as nations but as a united community, to prioritize self-reliance, resilience, and sustainable innovation.

This is Africa’s turning point—not just for governments, but for citizens. Economic development is not optional; it is the foundation of our ability to adapt, to thrive, and to lead. 

South Korea offers an inspiring example, having achieved transformative economic growth and innovation through bold investments in youth leadership and inclusive development. In the 1970s, Kenya and South Korea shared a similar development trajectory. Today, South Korea stands as an Asian tiger, proof that intentional strategy and commitment can lead to extraordinary progress.

Africa’s green competitive advantage—the youngest, fastest-growing workforce, abundant renewable energy potential, and critical raw materials—positions us as a vital player on the global stage. This moment demands action. Africa must package and market its strengths, turning its green promise into transformative impact.

It is time for Africa to rise, redefine its narrative, and focus on creating value that transforms our continent on our own terms. Public-private partnerships with friends of Africa like many of you here, investment in innovation, and bold leadership will be the keys to unlocking Africa’s immense opportunities. This work is urgent, but it is within reach.

Being recognized here today ignites in me a renewed fire to continue fighting for Africa’s dignity, prosperity, and sustainability. 

I dedicate this award to Kenya’s youth who remind me every day that we WILL build a future that reflects the greatness of Africa, rooted in resilience and courage.

Thank you for this incredible honor.