Kenyans trust in global ties as a way of building a better world — survey
Kenyans believe nations must work together to combat global challenges such as a pandemic, a new survey by Expo 2020 Dubai shows.
The 2021 study of more than 22,000 people across 24 countries gathered sentiments in a world that is reeling from Covid-19 economic fallout.
Undertaken in partnership with YouGov, the survey followed a similar one carried out in 2019, before the pandemic.
The research shows that Kenyans are the most optimistic globally about tackling climate change. An estimated 98 per cent of Kenyans believe that countries must work together to solve global challenges.
Kenyans are the most optimistic globally about the prospects of clean energy (66 per cent — versus the 42 per cent global response) and mankind’s ability to combat climate change (51 per cent — versus the 32 per cent global average).
Kenya has made significant investments in renewable energies in recent years.
Currently, the country generates 86 per cent of its electricity from wind, geothermal and hydro sources.
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Organised with the purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 is billed to be global incubator for fresh ideas, exchange of new perspectives and inspiring action to help solve real-world challenges.
Three-quarters of respondents said they believe better ties, and sharing of knowledge between individuals, communities and nations can help fashion a prosperous world.
Four in five respondents said greater knowledge sharing is critical pillar in shaping a better tomorrow.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 has developed this latest global study to help us understand how the citizens of the world believe we can shape a better future, so we can better focus our priorities.”
“In less than two months, when Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors, we look forward to welcoming millions of visitors from across the globe, and harnessing the kind of diversity this study reflects, as we join together to build a new world, with a brighter future for both people and the planet,” added Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy.
Looking ahead at the likelihood of a more sustainable and urban future, 64 per cent believe Kenya will have an infrastructure to support green travel such as charging stations and electric vehicles in the next decade, while 70 per cent predict a majority of the urban population will live in sustainable smart cities.
The shift to greater urban living is further reflected by 90 per cent of respondents saying they are likely to live in an urban centre moving forward.
Dr Wilfred Marube, Commissioner General of Kenya at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Kenya will be leveraging on the Expo to showcase unique, vibrant and transformative innovative opportunities that rejuvenate the capacity of our productive sectors to spur growth of our economy.”
At the Kenya Pavilion at Expo 2020, visitors will feel the energy of Kenya; this energy is clean, green, and full of positivity and potential, noted Dr Marube.
Tapping into opportunities through cutting-edge technology, the country’s pavilion reflects the nation’s mission to create a cleaner world.
The survey delves into other subjects such as health and wellness, sustainable travel, efficient food supply chains and the development of both urban and rural communities, all of which will be under focus during Expo 2020 programming.
Under Expo 2020’s Programme for People and Planet, countries, organisations, partners and visitors will collaborate to discuss possible solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.
Being one of the first global mega-events to take place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 1 to March 31, 2022 the event draws visitors from around the world.
