Environmentalist and climate justice activist Elizabeth Wathuti has been appointed as a Commissioner to the prestigious Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW).
In a press release by the international body dedicated to exploring and addressing the economic aspects of water management and conservation, Wathuti was recognized as a climate justice activist, impacting lives globally.
“This appointment is a recognition of Wathuti's significant contributions and relentless commitment to environmental advocacy and climate action locally and globally,” GCEW stated.
The Green Generation Initiative founder recently attended a retreat in Zurich, Switzerland, joining her counterparts in the commission co-chaired by Singapore president Tharman Shanmugaratnam and three others.
Expressing her joy and honour for the appointment, the award-winning activist promised to front ongoing locally-led solutions, and innovations to the global discourse.
“I am deeply honoured to join the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. As I join this Commission, I'm reminded that water is the essence of life, linking our environment, climate, nature, communities, and people,” Elizabeth stated.
“It's a platform for urgent, science-driven advocacy and action, where every decision can ripple toward sustainable, healthy futures, ensuring sustainable water management and universal access to safe drinking water,” she added.
GCEW is convened by the Government of the Netherlands, facilitated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and seeks to present the pathways for policy changes in matters of climate and water justice.
Wathuti has been at the forefront of the campaign for climate justice by founding the Green Generation Initiative to raise awareness through tree growing.
Speaking during the COP27 climate summit in Egypt in 2022, Wathuti encouraged her fellow youths to join in the struggle for climate justice and sustainability.
“ We are the adults now, it is our responsibility to ensure that children have food and water. I have been doing what I can, inspired by the great Professor Wangari Maathai, and every day we see that when we look after the trees, they look after us,” she stated.
“As young people, we are not just asking people in power to respond to the climate crisis, we are also, in our ways, taking immediate action within our communities,” she added.
