Partners of the Drive Electric Campaign, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends –
Welcome to the United Nations Environment Programme’s global headquarters, right here in Nairobi - the world’s environment capital and the only UN headquarters located in the Global South.
On behalf of Ms Inger Andersen, UNEP’s Executive Director, who is currently on mission outside of Kenya, it is a real pleasure to open this important meeting — the first Drive Electric Campaign gathering held in Africa. I would like to extend our warmest thanks to our partners at the ClimateWorks Foundation for their close collaboration and steadfast support in making this possible.
I understand that many of you here today represent the organisations and programmes leading the global shift toward electric mobility. Let me begin by commending you. Your work is not only important — it is essential.
Essential for public health. Air pollution causes more than 7 million premature deaths each year, and vehicle emissions are a major contributor.
Essential for climate action. The transport sector accounts for a quarter of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Without major interventions, this figure is expected to rise to one-third by 2050. Electrifying transport offers a clear and achievable path toward decarbonisation.
And essential for economic transformation. Electric mobility is not simply about emissions reduction. It is a thriving new industry, ripe with opportunity for innovation, investment, and green job creation.
Here in Nairobi, just beyond our gates, you’ll see that most vehicles on the road are not cars: they’re motorcycles. Until recently, these were largely imported, inefficient, and highly polluting. UNEP was proud to support early pilot projects in Kenya that demonstrated what’s possible: electric motorcycles that are cleaner, cheaper, and now increasingly widespread. Many of these motorcycles are assembled locally, powered by Kenya’s grid, which is over 90% renewable – a true example of how local action can drive global change.
This transition brings multiple wins: reduced air pollution, lower climate emissions, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, energy savings, and new green jobs.
But let us also be honest: we still face serious hurdles – political, technical, and financial. That’s where your leadership becomes so vital. I’m truly energised to be in a room full of experts, innovators, and strategists who are working to overcome these challenges every day.
Make no mistake: the transition to zero-emissions mobility has begun. The train has left the station, and there is no turning back. The growth in electric vehicle adoption is accelerating – year after year, new sales continue to rise rapidly.
Yet, for this transition to be truly just and effective, it must be global. We cannot allow the Global North to move ahead while developing countries are left behind, stuck with fossil fuels, environmental degradation, and lost economic opportunity.
We are beginning to see real change. Rwanda has become the first country to fully ban petrol motorcycles. Ethiopia, the first to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. These are not just symbolic moves – they are bold steps that demonstrate the leadership and ambition we need.
More than ten years ago UNEP developed a global programme to support Member States and their partners in transitioning to electric mobility. Our electric mobility programme now has more than 50 countries participating, with a technical assistance budget of more than 150 million US dollars.
UNEP and all of us here today thank the ClimateWorks Foundation. By bringing together the major programs and providing financial and other support, the Foundation is a driving force behind the global transition to electric mobility.
To all of you, let me say this: I know the road ahead is not easy. But I also know this – you are winning. The world is changing, and your efforts are at the heart of that change.
That you are here today, gathered in Nairobi to align strategies, share solutions, and accelerate this transformation, shows that you are not only ready for the future, but helping to shape it.
Again, most welcome to UNEP and Nairobi. I wish you a very successful meeting here at UNEP.
Thank you.
