17 Lucky Kenyans Selected As Sustainable Development Goals Action Heroes For Upcoming Africa Climate Summit

• Several Kenyans got a chance to represent the country in the upcoming climate summit set to start on September 3
• The lucky Kenyans from different backgrounds will showcase their talents at the summit and will pocket between KSh 7500 and KSh 15,000
• Judges who selected the participants said they were looking for stories that highlight what sustainable development goals are

Auditions for the Sustainable Development Goals action hero kicked off at the Somerset Hotel, where 17 lucky people were picked to take part in this year's action climate summit that will take place next week.

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Shortlisted participants will be paid a token fee of between KSh 7500 and 15,000 per day, depending on their skills, for 5 days when the Climate Zone Action Week event will be held at the Radisson Blue Hotel.

The 17 SDG heroes will be unveiled on September 3 at the climate change action event.

Organisers of the auditions, Mike Onyango, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Science, told TUKO.co.ke that they were looking for creative, talented, and reliable actors who could create and maintain compelling characters.

"We were looking for people who will be SDG heroes. So far, 70 people have shown up. While some characters may have some scripting, all actors will need to be comfortable effectively improvising and interacting in proximity with other SDG hero characters and conference. We are very excited because young people have loads of opportunities," he stated.

Among the panel of judges were Clay Muganda, the Managing Editor of Global South _Alliance for Science, Merab Akinyi, media personality Terry Ann Chebet and Lucy Rao, among others.

Muganda said that among what they were looking for as judges was the ability of the actors to understand what Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are and how they can make climate change more exciting.

"We were looking for somebody who comprehends what SDGs are If they are to get the position of an action hero. It is meant to make the climate thing change more fun for young people. We wanted someone who understands what they are. Climate change affects all other aspects of life; we need people who understand the role of SGDs," he said.

He also pointed out that most of the people who turned up for the auditions displayed huge talent.

"Some of these young people are very talented. These young people are doing a lot of things we have. For instance, we have 'fashion fixers'. It has become such a buzzword. They do not know that they are doing things that are saving the climate. That is why they come and articulate. They are quite knowledgeable," he added.

Merab Akinyi, another judge, echoed Muganda's sentiments, saying that the action heroes must understand the sustainable goals.

Akinyi added that the shortlisted heroes must have the right height and build for a superhero character.

"The hero must have the right height and build for a superhero character. Someone who can properly articulate what it means to be a climate action hero, for example, must be someone who can engage an audience on the top and especially on the selected SDGS," she said.

How auditions went

"The auditions went well. Lots of potential. We definitely got a few we think we can work with actors, models, influencers, content creators, digital activists, YouTubers and TikTokers to define global aspirations in the midst of climate change," she added.

Various performers showcased their prowess in their areas of interest.

21-year-old Greg Mulinge told the judges that he is a stand-up comedian who intends to use his comedy to shine the spotlight on the use of clean energy.

Also present was 50-year-old George Njeru, a real estate developer who showed up for the auditions, which youthful performers dominated.

Njeru told TUKO.co.ke that he has always had a passion for acting and was hoping to be among the lucky few who would be picked.

"When I was young, I always wanted to be an actor. I always wanted to be like Mama Kayai and Othorongongo, but as you go on, you get married. I want to make a change in the environment, so I think I stand a chance," he said.

Next week, Nairobi will play host to a major climate change event which President William Ruto will host.

Kenya will host the Africa Climate Summit alongside this year's Africa Climate Week, which will run from September 4-8.

An estimated 30,000 delegates are expected to attend the event, including over 25 heads of states and government, high-level representatives of development partners and international institutions, as well as subject experts.

Ruto has been vocal in calling for collective action towards mitigating the worsening effects of climate change.

The event to be held from September 3 to September 6 will see most major roads closed as Ruto hosts stakeholders in the Environmental sector

The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The 17 SDGs are integrated—they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Countries have committed to prioritising progress for those who are furthest behind.

The SDGs are designed to end poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women and girls.

Performers will engage with conference participants attending various Alliance for Science events leading up to the climate talks, COP 28, in December 2023.