GCA President and CEO Prof. Patrick V. Verkooijen Speech at the GCA Nairobi Headquarters Groundbreaking
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our Excellency President William Ruto,
Your Excellency President Macky Sall,
Your Excellency Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,
Excellencies, Distinguished guests,
Wote.. NI.. WA-KENYA
We are all Kenyans.
We are ALL Kenyans.
Indeed, in the climate crisis, all of us are in the same boat.
The irony is, we also face an age of climate apartheid.
Where the most vulnerable—in the Global South— in Africa…
… SUFFER the full force of this crisis.
And the most protected—in the Global North—
are shielded by wealth and infrastructure.
In Kenya, in Africa…families trapped.
In a vicious cycle.
Of drought.
Of flood.
Of loss.
And of rebuilding again.
While elsewhere, protection is purchased.
With early warning.
With insurance.
With billions.
Well, starting today, with THIS groundbreaking, we can work to putting an end to this scenario.
Because if we do not act.
Boldly.
At scale.
Now—
We will all pay the price.
Mr. President, as you reminded us…
Adaptation is not charity.
It is smart economics:
jobs, trade…a trillion-dollar investment opportunity.
And lets not forget… it IS security policy.
The 1.5% GDP of NATO security-related expenditure— called for last month – MUST encompass …adaptation in Africa.
Because climate apartheid.. in Africa..
risks becoming a MAJOR security fault-line NOBODY will be able to ignore.
So, Mr President, why is this groundbreaking today so important? Even historic…
It is the first-ever dual headquarters.
North and South.
Rotterdam and Nairobi.
Equal.
This is the future. Justice.
A movement, NOT a building alone.
Thank you, President Ruto.
For making this day possible.
For your vision.
Indeed, Sir, it was YOU who called for this day when you visited our largest floating office headquarters in Rotterdam.
You told us, that in Africa, we are not beggars – but instead, AFRICA is looking for EQUAL partners.
This IS Africa’s century after all.
Here in Nairobi, we will build one of the most advanced nature-based offices in the world.
Thank YOU, President Macky Sall.
Your voice, as Chair of our Board, drives this mission.
It is YOU who put the largest adaptation program in the world on the map.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon—
You paved the way.
Today’s HIGHEST national honor, as we witnessed this morning, is well earned.
And serves as an inspiration to us all, as does your legacy.
Mr President,
People of Kenya, Young and Old.
This house is yours.
Carry it.
Lift it.
Let it thrive.
Why?
Wote.. NI.. WA-KENYA
We are all Kenyans.
I thank you.
Asante Sana.
