Prof. Patrick V Verkooijen is set to serve a five-year term, bringing his wealth of experience in environmental advocacy and sustainable development to the esteemed institution.
Prof Patrick V. Verkooijen succeeds Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, who served the university with dedication for 10 years.
Prof. Patrick V Verkooijen Biography
Patrick V. Verkooijen was born on May 21, 1969, and is of Dutch nationality.
He holds a Master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Amsterdam and an environmental engineering degree from the University of Utrecht Applied Sciences.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Prof. Patrick V Verkooijen to be the Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, for five (5) years, with effect from the 12th January 2024,” Gazette Notice No. 106 of 2024 read.
He earned a Ph.D. in Sustainable Development Diplomacy from Wageningen University, an MPA from Harvard University, and a Master’s Degree in Social and Political Philosophy from the University of Amsterdam.
Career
Verkooijen is the CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), an international organization focused on adapting our world to the impacts of climate change.
Before his appointment at the GCA, Verkooijen held various positions, including:
- Professor of Practice of Sustainable Development Diplomacy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
- Special Advisor to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan.
- Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.
- Senior Advisor at the economic affairs, nature, and agriculture ministry of the Netherlands.
- World Bank Special Representative for Climate Change.
Prof. Patrick V. Verkooijen Nairobi for the multi-billion project
The Global Center on Adaptation in 2023 announced plans to open its Africa office in Nairobi.
The organization intends to make its Nairobi office the largest adaptation building in the world.
In May 2023, President Ruto joined global leaders at GCA’s floating headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to participate in a strategic dialogue on climate action.
The GCA’s floating headquarters is an innovative and sustainable office that serves as an example of how architecture can adapt to climate change.
Built on top of Rotterdam’s Nieuwe Maas River, the building is considered the largest floating office in the world.
During the visit, Ruto had a tour of the project that was launched in 2021 and witnessed first-hand how the building was designed to withstand climate change impacts.
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