Mount Kenya University Hosts Global UNAI SDG 9 Hub Chair Webinar Ahead of ECOSOC 2026 Forum
Mount Kenya University (MKU), is a comprehensive university committed to fostering innovation, research, and global partnerships. As the UNAI SDG 9 Hub Chair, MKU champions global efforts promoting Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The University hosted a successful global webinar on 26 January 2026 to strengthen partnerships and accelerate action toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The webinar held a day before the 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum brought together more than 30 international partners committed to advancing innovation, industry, and sustainable development. Keynote speakers gave their commitment in support of SDGs as follows;
UNAI Office (UN Outreach Division) – Ms. Julia Hagl “Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in driving global progress on the SDGs. Mount Kenya University’s leadership as the SDG 9 Hub Chair demonstrates how academic institutions can mobilize global networks, inspire innovative solutions, and bring communities together for a sustainable future.”
UNAI SDG 9 Vice‑Chair – Nagaoka University of Technology, Japan – Dr. Mami Katsumi “Our shared commitment to SDG 9 goes beyond collaboration—it is a collective promise to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive industrialization, and champion innovation. This webinar reflects the power of global partnerships to create real, measurable impact.”
UNAI SDG 9 Vice‑Chair – La Salle Ramon Llull University, Spain – Dr. Josep Miquel Piqué Huerta “My recent partnership discussions at MKU affirmed that innovation thrives when universities unite with industry. Through the ‘Candy Innovation Model,’ we are excited to embark on a three‑year journey that will empower students, strengthen industry linkages, and catalyze sustainable entrepreneurship.”
Chinese Industry & Academic Partners – Mr. Allan Zhang (Nanjing Zhong Xing Xinyada Information Technology Co. Ltd) “China’s industries and vocational institutions are honored to join hands with MKU in advancing global SDG initiatives. We look forward to building bridges that connect expertise, technology, and innovation with communities around the world.”
MKU Vice-Chancellor – Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi “Mount Kenya University remains deeply committed to supporting all 17 SDGs, with a special focus on SDG 9. We applaud the UNAI Office for its exceptional support, and we reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that the global goals move from vision to reality through education, innovation, and partnerships.”
SDGs Champion, MKU School of Education – Prof. Mary Mugwe “From the NAFSA Africa Summit, one message stood out clearly: the pursuit of SDGs must be intentional. Every institution, partner, and nation must purposefully embed sustainability into their policies, programs, and daily practices.”
KNATCOM‑UNESCO – Acting Secretary General, Dr. James Gichia Njogu “KNATCOM‑UNESCO values its ongoing collaboration with MKU’s SDG 9 Hub. Together, we will continue to champion education, innovation, and the SDGs as drivers of transformative development in Kenya and globally.”
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM – Central Region) – Mr. Jaxton Mutuma “Over 350 manufacturers under KAM are committed to advancing sustainable industrial growth. Our partnership with MKU demonstrates how academia and industry can work hand‑in‑hand to achieve SDG‑aligned development across the region.”
Central Connecticut State University – Center for African Studies – Ms. Awoderu Oluwatoyin “Our upcoming visit to MKU campuses in June 2026 is an important step toward strengthening a broader SDG support ecosystem. We are excited about deepening our academic cooperation and expanding joint sustainability initiatives.”
Strengthening Global SDG Action
During the two‑hour webinar, participants shared ongoing and future SDG initiatives planned through 2030. The event concluded with a call for partners to unite in marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on 6 April 2026, highlighting physical activity as a tool for SDG advocacy.
Further endorsements came from global partners including the Kenyan Embassy in Brazil, the UNAI SDG 1 Hub at São Paulo University, and longtime MKU collaborator Dr. Dennis Floyd Jones (USA). Another SDG 9‑focused webinar—organized by Nagaoka University of Technology, Japan—followed on 27 January 2026 as part of pre‑ECOSOC engagements.
