ENVIRONMENTAL MULTILATERALISM AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Nairobi, Kenya | Monday, 23 June – Wednesday, 25 June 2025
More information on partial travel reimbursement for Global South scholars will be provided towards the start of 2025.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Learn more about how you can support ACUNS as an institution by donating to be a sponsor here.
Thank you to our 2025 Annual Meeting Hosts and Sponsors!
Co-Chairs
Alice A. Oluoko-Odingo, PhD
Associate Professor in Geography, and Environmental Studies
Department and Geography, Population and Environmental Studies
University of Nairobi
Maria Ivanova, PhD
Professor of Public Policy
Director of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs
Northeastern University
The 2025 ACUNS Annual Conference in Nairobi will address the triple planetary crisis—climate change, nature loss, and pollution—within the context of increasing global conflict and deepening inequalities. As the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and home to the UN Environment Assembly, Nairobi serves as the global center for multilateral deliberations on environmental governance. This year’s theme highlights the critical role of multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the forthcoming Global Plastics Treaty, in addressing these interconnected crises. The conference will explore how multilateralism must evolve to integrate environmental and social justice, with a focus on inclusivity, transparency, and consensus-building. Discussions will examine the intersections of environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development and explore the roles of small states, Indigenous communities, international organizations, and civil society in shaping a resilient and just future. Participants will assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening global agreements and addressing the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation on vulnerable populations while also examining how environmental governance can contribute to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and global stability.
An Opening Ceremony and Reception will be held at United Nations Environmental Programme, Gigiri Nairobi, Kenya.
Submissions are invited under one of the following broad thematic categories:
Multilateral Environmental Agreements: The Path Forward for Climate, Nature, Pollution, and Social Justice
Peace and Global Security: Addressing Conflict and Inequity through Ecological Solutions
Indigenous Communities and Civil Society: Inclusivity, Transparency, and Consensus-Building in Global Environmental and Social Governance
The Science-Technology-Policy Interface in Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis, Advancing Social Equity, and Reducing Inequity
The Role of Small States Leadership in Shaping Global Environmental and Social Solutions
Environment, Sustainable and Human Development in achieving Equity in Multilateral Environmental Governance
Urbanism and Human Settlement
Social Justice, Inequity and the Environment: Assessing sustainability and distribution, measuring inequity, and identifying elements of social justice in local, national, and multilateral environmental governance
Inclusive Economies and Finance for Environment and Social Governance: Beyond GDP; From Decarbonization to Ecosystem Restoration and Equity
Blue Economy and Ocean Governance for Sustainable and Equitable Futures
Complete this application form by Wednesday 15, January 2025, 11:59pm EST
Please note that ACUNS is unable to assist with organizing accommodation but has suggested hotels below.
ACUNS does not have blocked reduced-rate rooms available for this Annual Meeting. Below is a list of recommended Hotels that range from luxury to budget accommodations. You may book your stay directly with these venues by clicking the name of the hotel or using the contact information below.
4 Stars
- Address: Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- Distance from University of Nairobi: 450 metres (Google Maps Link)
- Distance from UNON: 7.9 km (Google Maps Link)
- Reservation: Click here to make the reservation online
- Contact Persons and Numbers
- Edith Njoki (Reservations)
- Phone: +254 757 200 755
- Thomas Joseph (General Manager)
- Phone: +254 706 200 755
- Edith Njoki (Reservations)
- Address: Lilian Towers, Koinange Street, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.
- Distance from University of Nairobi: Directly opposite to the hotel (200 metres) (Google Maps Link)
- Distance from UNON: 19 min (8.6 km) via Limuru Rd (Google Maps Link)
- Reservation: Click here to make the reservation online
- Contact Persons and Numbers
- Linda Kimathi
- Phone: +254 726 844 925
- Email: smnssb@swiss-belhotel.com
- Linda Kimathi
3 Stars
- Address: Nairobi at Biashara St. 00620 KE.
- Distance from University of Nairobi: 500 metres (Google Maps Link)
- Distance from UNON: 22 min (8.3 km) via Limuru Rd (Google Maps Link)
- Reservation: Contact directly below.
- Contact Persons and Numbers
- Flaviern Muruda
- Phone: +2547 03 330 252
- E-mail: sales.coordinator@after40hotel.com
- Flaviern Muruda
2 Stars
- Address: Muindi Mbingu/Monrovia Street, Nairobi.
- Distance from University of Nairobi: 750 metres (Google Maps Link)
- Distance from UNON: 8.4 Km (15 minutes depending on the traffic) (Google Maps Link)
- Reservation: Click here to make the reservation online:
- Contact person and Numbers
- Mr John Kiriam
- Phone: +254 737 770 770
- Reception: +254 737 777 777 .
- Mr John Kiriam
- Address: State House Rd, Nairobi
- Distance from University of Nairobi: Directly opposite to the University of Nairobi St. Paul’s University Chapel (450m) (Google Maps Link)
- Distance to UNON: 20 min (8.6 km) via Limuru Rd (Google Maps Link)
- Contact Person and Number
- Phone: +254 711 239 122
Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is an international airport serving Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya. See more information here.
Transport
Taxis and Ride Share
- Uber is available in Nairobi. Download the app here.
- Taxis are available 24 hours a day at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. They are recognizable by their yellow colour. The price must be negotiated with the driver before entering the vehicle.
- Nairobi is a very extended city; the fare and duration depend therefore on the destination and the road traffic. It takes up to 30 minutes between the airport and downtown Nairobi for a fare between KES1200 and KES2000 (10-15 USD).
Shuttles and Buses
- City Bus #34, which runs every 20 mins between 6 AM and 9 PM rotates between downtown Nairobi and JKIA every 20mn for KES35. The travel time, depending on the traffic, is about 45 minutes.
- A minibus is operated by hotels run between the airport, the city center, and the tourist areas. If you plan to stay in one of them, ask if a shuttle is offered to guests. Private services of fast and comfortable shuttles are also offered to travellers to reach different localities. Click here to book a shuttle.
- Nairobi Airport Shuttle Bus
Other Modes of Transport
- VIP Airport Service
- Ace Mobility: Transport for persons with disabilities
- JKIA Airport Transfers: Accessible and comes with wheelchair ramps
- Private airport transfers for hire
- Welcome Pickups: Offers airport transfers
- Make or save copies of your important documents (e.g. identity card, passport data page, credit cards, and travellers’ cheques) in case you lose any of them. Leave copies with your family and friends as a contingency plan.
- Money Matters: Before going abroad, notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and check exchange rates.
- Voltage and adapters: For Kenya the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Kenya operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz. You may consider the use of a travel adaptor, which is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.
- Weather: Nairobi has a pleasant, subtropical highland climate. Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, and about 11°C/51.8°F night time temperatures. Bear in mind that Nairobi has a high elevation of approximately 1,795 m (5,889 ft), meaning that temperatures drop noticeably at night. Late evenings and early mornings are often crisp, even indoors. In the third week of June, we expect a Day maximum temperature of about 22°C/72°F and Night time minimums of about 11°C/52°F.
- Please click here for more details.
- Please make sure to keep this in mind when packing and include some warmer layers for the evenings. More information on the weather forecast is available from the Kenya Meteorological Department.
- Find their Monthly Forecast here.
- It is important to ensure that you have all the documents necessary for your trip. A valid passport, valid for at least six months from date of arrival, is required for entry into the country, and it must have at least one blank page.
- Please also check these additional document recommendations:
- Selfie or passport-type photo
- Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
- Vaccine Proof: Check the health and vaccination requirements for Kenya here.
Health Insurance and Medication
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, which includes medical evacuation in case of any unexpected emergencies. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines beforehand, you can ensure you have the proper information before traveling.
- Carry your doctor’s medical prescription if you have to carry any medication, as you may need to show this at the customs checkpoint(s). Learn more about the requirements and permissions for Kenya here.
Visa or Travel Authorization to Kenya
All visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.
Apply for an eTA here.
- Please note that the Government of Kenya has amended the visa regulations by introducing the eTA and removed the visa requirements for all foreign nationals traveling to Kenya with effect from January 2024. All participants must have an approved eTA before the start of their journey.
- eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorization.
- Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodation and transport tickets.
- For information on health-related requirements for entering Kenya, please consult: WHO- International Travel & Health and Kenyan Ministry of Health – Arriving Travellers. Please note that eTA for entering Kenya and registration for attending the UN Civil Society Conference are two separate procedures. Kindly note that successful registration to UN Civil Society Conference does not guarantee issuance of the eTA.
Optional Safari Tour
Enjoy the safari experience with the University of Nairobi while attending your conference. They offer customized excursion trips to their partners so that they maximize their visit to Kenya. More details will be shared soon.
Option 1 – Maasai Mara Safari (2 Nights)
Option 2 – Aberdare National Park Safari Package (2 Nights)
Option 3 – Nairobi National Park, Lunch, and Giraffe Centre (1 Day)
Option 4 – Beach Holiday Package – Mombasa (2 Nights)