AU CHAPLAINCY - St John Paul II AU Chaplaincy

#LaudatoSi

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

El Niño is not simply a weather event, it is a multi-sectoral risk affecting agriculture, water resources, food security, public health, energy production and national economies.

Countries expecting drier conditions should already be implementing drought preparedness measures. These include promoting drought-tolerant crops, supporting irrigation where possible, conserving water resources, protecting livestock, strengthening food security planning and advising farmers based on seasonal forecasts.

@AU_DARBE

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

Following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between @_AfricanUnion and the Africa Wildlife Foundation (@AWF_Official) , I had the pleasure of hosting officials from (@AWF_Official ) at the African Union Headquarters, marking the beginning of an important new chapter in our partnership,.

Our discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in areas where biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rural development intersect. We explored how the partnership can support the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (#CAADP), recognizing that healthy ecosystems are fundamental to food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

We also acknowledged the vital role of biodiversity in creating employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth, while advancing Africa's journey towards greater self-reliance. By investing in nature-based solutions, sustainable water management, and resilient food systems, we can unlock economic opportunities, transform rural communities, and improve the lives of millions across the continent.

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

Early warning is the first line of defence against climate-related disasters. As forecasts indicate the likelihood of an El Niño event in 2026, African countries are encouraged to strengthen preparedness and take timely action to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

Communities can reduce risks by staying informed through official weather updates, safeguarding water resources, strengthening local disaster preparedness plans, and adopting climate-smart practices.

Through enhanced early warning systems and coordinated action, Africa can build resilience to climate shocks and advance sustainable development in line with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

From Early Warning to Early Action - Together, we build a resilient Africa.

@WMO

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

The warning by the World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) on the possible emergence of a powerful El Niño in mid-2026 is a timely reminder of the growing urgency of climate action. With risks of extreme heat, drought, heavy rainfall, and economic disruption, this phenomenon is expected to further intensify the challenges facing food systems, water security, livelihoods, and resilience across the globe.

For Africa, this underscores the importance of strengthening early warning systems, climate adaptation measures, disaster risk reduction, and resilient agricultural systems to protect vulnerable communities and safeguard sustainable development.

Collective action, preparedness, and investment in resilience must remain at the centre of our response to the climate crisis

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

This morning, I held a consultative meeting with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the @_AfricanUnion , where we exchanged views on advancing #Agenda 2063, which places agriculture at the heart of Africa’s food systems transformation and poverty alleviation efforts.

Our discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening Africa–China cooperation in agriculture, rural development, and livelihoods improvement. The Ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to working closely with the African Union to support poverty alleviation and sustainable development across the continent. He also noted the upcoming China-Africa Agriculture Forum to be held in November 2026, in Beijing under the auspices of China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and emphasized that the participation of the African Union will be key in facilitating high-level policy coordination between Africa and China. This important platform was first held in 2013 and again in 2019.

I reiterated the African Union Commission’s commitment to improving livelihoods across the continent, supporting Africa’s journey toward middle-income status, and changing the narrative around food security. Through our ongoing program of action, we are also working to address pressing development challenges, including access to clean drinking water and sanitation for millions of Africans, while partnering to support health centres and smallholder farmers as part of a broader agenda for inclusive agricultural transformation.

Together, through strategic partnerships and shared commitment, we can accelerate progress toward a food-secure, prosperous, and resilient Africa.

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

I had the honor of meeting H.E. Amb. Fiseha, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union (@MFAEthiopia) , to discuss strengthening collaboration on Africa's climate, agriculture, and development priorities.

Our discussions focused on Ethiopia's preparations to host #COP32 in 2027 as a platform for advancing Africa's collective climate agenda as well as the #UNWaterConference in December, 2026. We also explored Ethiopia's leadership through the Green Legacy Initiative one that resonates with our continental framework ;the Great Green Wall Initiative" and its commitment to @AUC_CAADP.  This inspired a view to sharing lessons that can accelerate agricultural transformation and productivity across the continent.

We further exchanged views on some priority areas such as climate finance, carbon markets, artificial intelligence, water security, and enhancing Africa's voice in global climate negotiations - this reaffirmed our commitment even in preparations for #COP31 in Turkiye.

I look forward to continued engagement and partnership as we work together to advance #Agenda2063 and a resilient, prosperous Africa.

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

#HappyFathersDay: A father's strength shapes the present, his wisdom builds the future, and his love nurtures generations. Today, we celebrate fathers and father figures whose guidance, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment inspire hope and build stronger communities. #Agenda2063

[MauForestComplex_iclip @MauForest_iclip]

On Thursday, 25th June 2026, H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, will visit the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP) in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County.

Join us as we champion forest restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and community-led conservation in protecting the Mau Forest Complex for present and future generations.

#MFCICLIP
#MauForestComplex
#ForestRestoration
#ClimateAction #NakuruCounty

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

I held a strategic consultation with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry , @DeboraBarasa on advancing the Africa Climate Summit agenda (#ACS) and accelerating climate action across our continent. Our discussions focused on moving beyond commitments and declarations to delivering measurable results that directly benefit Africa’s people, economies, and ecosystems.

We emphasized the need to assess progress made since the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, address existing bottlenecks, and strengthen the development of actionable and bankable climate projects. We also highlighted the importance of leveraging emerging opportunities, including Artificial Intelligence for climate solutions and high-integrity carbon markets that ensure Africa receives fair value from its natural capital.

By aligning the African Union’s technical leadership with Kenya’s national implementation priorities, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to driving Africa’s green transition through coordinated, innovative, and results-oriented action.

[MauForestComplex_iclip @MauForest_iclip]

10 days to go!
Have you registered?
#MauMarathon
#RunForMau
#MauForestComplex

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

#OOC11: I had the honour to attend and deliver opening remarks at the @UNESCO/ @IocUnesco Side Event on “From Science to Sovereignty: Mobilising Political Leadership and Investment to Power Africa’s Blue Economy” during the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.

The discussions underscored the critical role of ocean science, data, innovation and knowledge systems as strategic infrastructure for Africa’s sustainable development.

As we advance the implementation of #Agenda2063 and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, investing in science-driven ocean governance remains essential for building resilience, creating jobs, strengthening food security and unlocking the full potential of Africa’s blue economy.

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

#OOC11: At the official Opening Ceremony of the 11th Our Ocean Conference is about to begin. Join me as I deliver welcome remarks and keynote addresses from distinguished leaders and ocean champions as we embark on critical conversations for the future of our oceans.

Watch live :
https://t.co/IYoRlLNxG7

[ONJOLO KENYA🇰🇪 @onjolo_kenya]

H.E Moses Vilakati Commissioner, ARBE - African Union conveys message from African Union to Kenya on its forward action towards ocean action, sustainable development & blue economy agenda.

@MosesVilakati

#OOC11 #BlueEconomy

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

#OOC11: I had the distinguished honour to deliver opening remarks at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. @OurOceanOOC

As Africa's first-ever host of the Our Ocean Conference, Kenya has set a historic milestone for the continent's blue economy agenda. I emphasized that while Africa has developed strong policy frameworks for sustainable ocean governance, our greatest challenge now is implementation.

Together, we must accelerate investments in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, maritime infrastructure, marine conservation, innovation, and ocean science, while ensuring that women and youth are at the forefront of Africa's blue economy transformation.

Our Ocean. Our Heritage. Our Future.

@au_ibar

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

https://t.co/2j2D4bftY8

#OOC11: LISTEN TO THE FULL SPEECH.

[Africa Climate Change Communicators @AfricaClimComms]

Africa is home to the world’s youngest population. The 9th Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit will bring together young ocean leaders from across Africa and around the world ahead of OOC11 in Mombasa, Kenya. #OurOceanKenya #OOC11 #YLS2026

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

#OOC11: At the 5th African SIDS Platform Meeting that brought together representatives of African Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and blue economies, I underscored the importance of developing Common African SIDS Position, enhancing regional cooperation, and leveraging strategic initiatives such as the Great Blue Wall and Agenda 2063 to safeguard the livelihoods, heritage, and future of island and coastal communities. Together, we must transform our collective commitments into concrete actions that ensure a healthy, productive, and sustainable ocean for present and future generations. @au_ibar

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

On the sidelines of the "Our Oceans Conference" #OOC11 in Mombasa Kenya, I had the distinguished honour to deliver opening remarks of the 5th African SIDS Platform Meeting. The meeting brought together representatives of African Small Island Developing States (SIDS), development partners, experts, and stakeholders to advance a shared vision for sustainable ocean governance and resilient blue economies.

In my remarks, I reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s commitment to supporting Member States in promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, conserving marine and aquatic biodiversity, strengthening climate adaptation and resilience, and unlocking the immense potential of the blue economy for inclusive growth, food security and job creation.

I also underscored the importance of developing Common African SIDS Position, enhancing regional cooperation, and leveraging strategic initiatives such as the Great Blue Wall and Agenda 2063 to safeguard the livelihoods, heritage, and future of island and coastal communities. Together, we must transform our collective commitments into concrete actions that ensure a healthy, productive, and sustainable ocean for present and future generations.
@au_ibar

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

Join us at the "Our Ocean Conference 2026" #OOC in Mombasa, Kenya, from 16–18 June 2026. @OurOceanOOC

Under the theme "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future," the conference will bring together member states, global leaders, policymakers, scientists, youth, and stakeholders to advance sustainable ocean governance, marine conservation, and blue economy solutions.

I look forward to contributing to the discussions and partnerships that will shape a resilient and sustainable future for our oceans and coastal communities.

#OurOcean2026 #OurHeritageOurFuture #BlueEconomy

[H.E Moses Vilakati @MosesVilakati]

Today, I had the honour of hosting , H.E. Carmen do Sacramento Neto, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Angola, in preparation for the 3rd Edition of the High-Level Ministerial Africa Blue Economy Week Conference, scheduled for 22–25 July 2026 in Luanda, Angola.

We invite all African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, academia, the private sector, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to join us in participating in this conference.

The event will provide a strategic platform to foster dialogue, showcase innovations, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate collective action towards a sustainable and inclusive blue economy for Africa. #AGENDA2063 #WaterAndSanitation