A new survey commissioned by Expo 2020 Dubai has revealed that 98 per cent Kenyans believe nations must unite to combat challenges facing the world.

The 2021 survey of more than 22,000 people across 24 countries, and done in partnership with YouGov, tracked sentiments in a world irreversibly changed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The study also shows greater unity, collaboration and knowledge exchange as key themes of with three-quarters saying they believe greater cooperation between individuals and communities can help shape a more prosperous future.

Four in five of those surveyed noted that greater knowledge sharing was imperative to shaping a better tomorrow.

“Expo 2020 has developed this latest global study to help us understand how the citizens of the world believe we can shape a better future, so we can better focus our priorities. Overall, the findings are encouraging, and show a collective desire to work together, broaden our horizons and exchange ideas,” said UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, Reem Al Hashimy.

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He added, “In less than two months, when Expo 2020 opens its doors, we look forward to welcoming millions of visitors from across the globe, and harnessing the kind of diversity this study reflects, as we join together to build a new world, with a brighter future for both people and the planet.”

Kenyans are the most optimistic in the world about prospects of clean energy at (66 per cent — versus the 42 per cent global response), and mankind’s ability to combat climate change (51 per cent — versus the 32 per cent global average).

The findings reflect the country’s significant recent investments in renewable energies, with Kenya currently generating 86 per cent of its electricity from wind, geothermal and hydro.

PHOTO/COURTESY

Looking ahead at the likelihood of a more sustainable and urban future, 64 per cent believe Kenya will have an infrastructure to support green travel such as charging stations and electric vehicles (EVs) in the next decade.

At the same time, 70 per cent of Kenyans predict a majority of the urban population will live in sustainable smart cities.

The shift to greater urban living is further reflected by 90 per cent of respondents saying they are likely to live in an urban centre moving forward.

“Kenya is committed to 100 per cent green energy and, as this survey demonstrates, the whole country is behind us. Technological and financial innovations have brought renewables into the mainstream, and this transformation is leading to energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, greater energy diversification and job creation. Kenya will be leveraging on the Expo to showcase unique, vibrant and transformative innovative opportunities that rejuvenate the capacity of our productive sectors to spur growth of our economy,” said Dr Wilfred Marube, Commissioner General of Kenya at Expo 2020 Dubai.

He added, “At the Kenya Pavilion at Expo 2020, visitors will feel the energy of Kenya; this energy is clean, green, and full of positivity and potential. Tapping into opportunities through cutting-edge technology, our pavilion reflects our nation’s mission to create a cleaner world, and we are excited to share this with the people and countries coming together at Expo 2020 Dubai, working together to make our future brighter.”

The survey delves into a range of subjects, also including health and wellness, sustainable travel, efficient food supply chains and the development of both urban and rural communities, all of which will be focuses of Expo 2020’s programming.

Under Expo 2020’s Programme for People and Planet, participating nations, organisations, partners and visitors will collaborate to discuss future-proofing solutions to the biggest hurdles globally.

One of the first global mega-events to take place since the beginning of the pandemic, Expo 2020 will run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, inviting global visitors to join in to experiencing a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.