AWARD Knowledge Festival and Graduation Ceremony: The Celebration of African Scientists & Researchers

by Steve Ngunyi & Katrina Nyawira

The AWARD Knowledge Festival and Graduation Ceremony, held on October 17th and 18th, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the One Planet Fellowship program. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including African scientists, mentors, partners, and government representatives, to discuss and address climate-related agricultural challenges. The festival showcased the achievements of the 130 laureates who successfully completed the Fellowship program and graduated as One Planet Fellows.

Since its inception in 2017, the One Planet Fellowship has been instrumental in nurturing a network of African scientists equipped with the leadership, research, and networking skills necessary to tackle climate-related agricultural challenges. To date, the program has empowered over 440 individuals from 25 countries to contribute to climate-resilient agricultural development.

Some key highlights of the Knowledge Festival included featured presentations, documentaries, and discussions on the latest research findings and innovative solutions to address climate-related agricultural challenges in Africa. Panel discussions offered participants the opportunity to explore strategies to enhance climate research capabilities on the continent, empowering African scientists to lead the way in addressing food security challenges.

The culmination of the Knowledge Festival was the graduation ceremony, honoring the 128 One Planet Laureate Candidates—79 of whom were present in person—who successfully completed the Fellowship program. These remarkable individuals now join the ranks of One Planet Laureates and will continue to serve as ambassadors for climate solutions across Africa.

The graduation ceremony was further enriched by inspiring words from distinguished speakers. Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR – ICRAF, delivered an empowering speech, alongside Mr. Clément Payeur, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Mission of France to UNEP. During the celebratory cocktail reception, H.E. Gertrude Angote, Ambassador of the Mission of Kenya to UNEP, offered an inspiring toast to the newly minted One Planet Fellowship Laureates, reinforcing the significance of their contributions to the continent’s future.

The AWARD Knowledge Festival and Graduation Ceremony was a resounding success. It provided a platform for both young and seasoned African scientists to share their research, learn from experts, and build valuable connections. The event demonstrated the positive impact of the One Planet Fellowship program in fostering climate-resilient agricultural development and empowering African scientists to address the continent’s pressing challenges. We are proud to have partnered with AWARD in designing this one-of-a-kind Knowledge Festival and Graduation Ceremony, and look forward to the continued success of these extraordinary Fellows.