Pathways To Sustainable Real Estate Investment In Sub Saharan African Countries: the 22nd Annual AfRES Conference

Abstract

It is my distinct privilege and honor to welcome you the University of Nairobi, and to those who are visiting Kenya for the very first time, Karibuni sana and I hope you get enjoy the conference as well as the hospitality of the Kenyan People. The 22nd AfRES Annual Conference themed "Pathways to sustainable real estate investment in the Sub Saharan African (SSA) Countries." marks a significant milestone in the field of Real Estate, and it is with great enthusiasm that we extend our warmest welcome to the 200+ delegates from across Africa and the world participating in this prestigious event. This conference has been organized by the Faculty of Built Environment and Design.Last Week, The Country hosted the Africa Climate Summit alongside the Africa Climate Week with a special focus on driving green growth and advancing climate finance solutions. As part of the Climate Summit, the University collaborated with Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) to host a high level inter-generational dialogue tagged, Africa driving Climate Adaptation solution & jobs. In addition, members of Faculty presented various scholarly papers during the summit. It was a powerful testament to our collective commitment to addressing the pressing climate challenges facing our continent.Today, as we host the 22 nd Annual AfRES Conference, Kenya, once again has the unique honor of being the focal point for knowledge exchange and collaboration among real estate practitioners and scholars from all corners of the globe. The 180 scholarly papers to be presented during this conference will address emerging issues in the Real Estates markets.Allow me to express my deep appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the University of Nairobi and the African Real Estate Society (AfRES). Our very own Mrs. Catherine Kariuki, a distinguished member of the Faculty of Built Environment and Design, served as the President of AfRES in 2020 and 2021. Catherine is a renowned expert in the field of Real Estate in the region and has served society with unwavering dedication and commitment.Ladies and Gentlemen, today we also have another significant milestone to celebrate as a university. The University of Nairobi and the International Finance Corporation will sign a Licensing agreement that will see the University implement The Green Building Market Transformation Program and Edge Application to empower our students with the knowledge and skills they need to be leaders in the field of sustainable construction. We will also create a pool of highly skilled professionals who can help Kenya transition to a more sustainable future.In addition, this partnership will help us transform our campuses into beacons of sustainability. We will actively implement green building practices and vigorously pursue EDGE certification for our campus buildings. This will make our university a model for sustainable development, and it will inspire others to follow our lead. I am confident that this partnership will be a success. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for K...