Update: Mariam’s report on UNEA-7 is available from the World Veterinary Association (WVA).
Dr Mariam Kihika, representing the World Veterinary Environmental Alliance (WVEA), will attend the 21st Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF 21) in Nairobi, Kenya, in early December. This forum offers an open and participatory platform for civil society engagement, serving as a preparatory meeting for Major Groups and Stakeholders in advance of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).
During her attendance at a COP meeting, Dr Mariam noticed the lack of veterinarians in the multilateral discussions on the environment. This realisation led her to reach out to Dr. Jeannet Kessels, which ultimately sparked the creation of the WVEA. It is with great excitement that WVEA supports Dr Mariam to attend this event and be a voice crucial in addressing this gap.
As a Veterinary Surgeon, founder and chair of the Vet Climate Action Network (V.CAN Uganda), and WVEA Ambassador, Dr. Mariam emphasises the vital role veterinarians play in protecting animals, people, and the planet.
“Veterinarians are the very protectors of animal lives but yet absent in the fight for climate change. The expertise is deeply needed to understand and mitigate the devastating impact of a warming planet on all creatures. The absence of veterinarians in such spaces continues to speak volumes about the disconnect between the environmental crisis and its consequences for the animal kingdom. Yet there is need for collaboration from everyone in the fight for climate justice. ” (Dr. Mariam Kihika)
