This year Strathmore University decided to take up Sustainability as the theme for 2023. The university’s care for people and planet is embodied in one of its core values which is Service to Society that is lived through research, education and institutional citizenship. There are several examples of how the university has embraced sustainability through its operations, research and educational programmes. For instance, the commitment to embracing clean energy through installation of solar panels that contribute to the national grid, the embedding of sustainability and climate related topics within academic and executive education programmes and having research centers dedicated to natural capital, sustainability, public policy and renewable energy. From the student perspective, the university has vibrant student-led clubs and initiatives such as the Strathmore SDG Student Hub and the Environmental Club which provide direction on how the youth can influence discourse and action on climate change and broadly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In line with this theme, this year’s annual SME conference is focused on “Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Creating Opportunities for SMEs”. This is a critical topic given the dynamic environment SMEs find themselves in and the increasing need to integrate social and ecological considerations within their business models for posterity. Kenya recently hosted the Africa Climate Summit which was centered on a green growth agenda. From the discussions held during the summit, it is clear that the private sector and by extension MSMEs will need to scale up sustainable practices into their businesses. At the same time, SMEs that work towards integrating ecological, social and governance issues into their business can benefit from impact investments and leverage on climate financing opportunities offered at local, regional and global levels.
The SME conference will cover broad topics that encompass the various forms of sustainable business models they can implement, how to build climate resilient strategies, the rapidly changing policy landscape guiding the national response to climate change and the increasing role of technology in creating climate solutions aligned to business among other areas. This conference is not one to be missed, especially for those who see value creation for SMEs as being a mix between economic opportunity, societal progress and environmental wellbeing.
Article by Dr. Mumbi Wachira,
Associate Director, Strathmore University Doctoral Academy
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