ENVIRONMENTAL MULTILATERALISM AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Nairobi, Kenya | Monday, 23 June – Wednesday, 25 June 2025
Sponsorship Opportunities
Learn more about how you can support ACUNS as an institution by donating to be a sponsor here.
All are welcome to apply. You do not have to be an ACUNS Member to submit a proposal.
More information on partial travel reimbursement for Global South scholars will be provided towards the start of 2025.
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
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)