The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) resonated with intellectual enthusiasm, as faculty members and students gathered for a pivotal public lecture on ‘The Ocean Panel’s Transformation Agenda: Coastal and Ocean-Based Solutions for Climate Change, Nature Repair, and Conservation for the Wellbeing of All.’’
The event took place at the TUM’s Assembly Hall on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
This engagement served as a crucial precursor to a highly anticipated three-day multidisciplinary conference scheduled to start on April 2nd and end on 4th, 2025, at the main campus.
The lecture, held amidst growing global concerns regarding climate change and environmental degradation, provided a platform for insightful discourse and collaborative solution-finding.
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the deterioration of marine ecosystems, TUM seized the opportunity to foster dialogue and drive meaningful action.
In her welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar passionately encouraged attendees to actively participate, urging them to pose insightful questions that would drive the collaborative development of sustainable solutions.
She noted that the lecture would provide insights that will offer valuable perspective on how they can harness ocean-based solutions to mitigate these challenges while ensuring economic prosperity and environmental sustainability remain at the forefront in ocean conservation and climate resilience.
“As a coastal institution, we are committed to advancing research, innovation, and policy dialogues that contribute to sustainable ocean management, Today’s engagement is a testament to that commitment,” Prof Laila said.
Dr Russel Reichelt AO, an Australian Prime Minister’s representative to the High Level panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy, who was the keynote speaker, delivered a compelling presentation, underscoring the ocean's indispensable role in supporting life and driving economies.
The envoy also illuminated the ocean's alarming vulnerability to climate change and pollution. He introduced the Ocean Panel, a coalition of 18 global leaders dedicated to achieving a sustainable ocean economy through collaborative action across five key pillars: Ocean Wealth, Health, Finance, Knowledge, and Equity.
Dr Russel highlighted Australia's commitment as a panel member, detailing the development of a Sustainable Ocean Plan focused on national priorities, collective action, and addressing complex challenges. This plan aims for continuous improvement in ocean management.
He stressed the paramount importance of prioritizing people, local action, community involvement, and international collaboration, particularly the longstanding 60-year partnership between Australia and Kenya.
Dr Russel was accompanied by his colleague Mr. Chris Ellinger – Deputy Head, Australian High Commission, Kenya.
The lecture successfully ignited enthusiasm and a sense of urgency, setting the stage for the upcoming The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) resonated with intellectual enthusiasm, as faculty members and students gathered for a pivotal public lecture on ‘The Ocean Panel’s Transformation Agenda: Coastal and Ocean-Based Solutions for Climate Change, Nature Repair, and Conservation for the Wellbeing of All.’’
The event took place at the TUM’s Assembly Hall on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
This engagement served as a crucial precursor to a highly anticipated three-day multidisciplinary conference scheduled to start on April 2nd and end on 4th, 2025, at the main campus.
The lecture, held amidst growing global concerns regarding climate change and environmental degradation, provided a platform for insightful discourse and collaborative solution-finding.
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the deterioration of marine ecosystems, TUM seized the opportunity to foster dialogue and drive meaningful action.
In her welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar passionately encouraged attendees to actively participate, urging them to pose insightful questions that would drive the collaborative development of sustainable solutions.
She noted that the lecture would provide insights that will offer valuable perspective on how they can harness ocean-based solutions to mitigate these challenges while ensuring economic prosperity and environmental sustainability remain at the forefront in ocean conservation and climate resilience.
“As a coastal institution, we are committed to advancing research, innovation, and policy dialogues that contribute to sustainable ocean management, Today’s engagement is a testament to that commitment,” Prof Laila said.
Dr Russel Reichelt AO, an Australian Prime Minister’s representative to the High Level panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy, who was the keynote speaker, delivered a compelling presentation, underscoring the ocean's indispensable role in supporting life and driving economies.
The envoy also illuminated the ocean's alarming vulnerability to climate change and pollution. He introduced the Ocean Panel, a coalition of 18 global leaders dedicated to achieving a sustainable ocean economy through collaborative action across five key pillars: Ocean Wealth, Health, Finance, Knowledge, and Equity.
The panel's ambitious goal is to achieve 100% sustainable ocean management by 2035.
Dr Russel highlighted Australia's commitment as a panel member, detailing the development of a Sustainable Ocean Plan focused on national priorities, collective action, and addressing complex challenges. This plan aims for continuous improvement in ocean management.
He stressed the paramount importance of prioritizing people, local action, community involvement, and international collaboration, particularly the longstanding 60-year partnership between Australia and Kenya.
Dr Russel was accompanied by his colleague Mr. Chris Ellinger – Deputy Head, Australian High Commission, Kenya.
The lecture successfully ignited enthusiasm and a sense of urgency, setting the stage for the upcoming multidisciplinary forum.
This three-day event promises to further explore innovative solutions and drive collective action toward a sustainable and thriving ocean, reinforcing TUM's commitment to leading the charge in ocean conservation and climate resilience.multidisciplinary forum.
This three-day event promises to further explore innovative solutions and drive collective action toward a sustainable and thriving ocean, reinforcing TUM's commitment to leading the charge in ocean conservation and climate resilience.