Kenyan environmentalist Elizabeth Wathuti appointed to Global Commission on Economics of Water

Global Commission on the Economics of Water is an international body dedicated to exploring and addressing the economic aspects of water management and conservation.

 The founder of the Green Generation Initiative, and TIME 100 Impact Award winner, joins the commission as the youngest Commissioner.

 “As I join the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, I’m reminded that water is the essence of life, linking our environment, climate, nature, communities, and people. This appointment is a profound opportunity for me to bring these connections, on-ground locally-led solutions, and innovations to the forefront of global discourse,” she said.

 Wathuti noted the need for urgent science-driven advocacy action to ensure sustainable water management and universal access to safe water. 

“I aim to infuse our discussions with a sense of urgency, and human lived experiences, ensuring that our actions today safeguard water for everyone, now and in the future. This is our moment to create a wave of positive change,” she added. 

The young environmentalist represents civil society and youth at the Nairobi Rivers Commission in Kenya, and has played a leadership role in the youth engagement mechanism for the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi in September 2023.

Wathuti took part in the recent in-person retreat at Zurich for the Global Commission, where she provided valuable insights and perspectives to inform the development of the Commission’s landmark report on a new economic paradigm for water that is due to be published in September 2024.

 In October 2022, she was recognized in TIME magazine's 2022 TIME 100 list, which acknowledges 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future of different industries and sectors across the globe.