Invitation to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD 9) Thematic Event
Digital Public Infrastructure and Regional Command and Control Centre for Addressing Human-Nature Conflicts in Africa
We invite you to join a high-level thematic event at TICAD 9, dedicated to the establishment of a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Regional Command and Control Centre for Addressing Human-Nature Conflicts in Africa, essential tools to tackle escalating human–nature conflicts, such as climate change, human–wildlife conflict, Agropastoral conflict land encroachment, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade in the Africa Region.
Anchored within the Regional Command-and-Control Centre based at Nairobi, the DPI system will utilize a secure UN cloud, to enable cross-border collaboration and coordinated responses to nature-based conflicts. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Digital Public Infrastructure Framework and the UN General Assembly Resolution A/79/L.96 on combating illicit wildlife trafficking. Spearheaded by the Lusaka Agreement, African Governments, the United Nations agencies, and the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) – the DPI–Human–Nature Conflict Project will integrate multiple spatial and non-spatial datasets related to biodiversity interventions and climate change into an UN-hosted cloud server. These datasets will be utilised, alongside advanced remote sensing and satellite technologies including GIS, to develop Digital Public Goods (DPGs) for monitoring and addressing impacts caused by human–wildlife conflict, agropastoral tensions, poaching and illegal trade, as well as transboundary climate impacts.”
The event will feature a keynote speech by H.E. Hon. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, followed by a panel discussion with Ministerial and technical experts from African governments, regional bodies, and Japan. This event will also outline on how the Regional Command and Control Center will provide facilities for top academic institutions around the world to carry out research using primary data to address challenges faced by African countries. It also creates employment opportunities for African scholars to contribute to biodiversity conservation through innovative technology.
Join us as we shape a sustainable and secure future for Africa’s ecosystems and people.
Please scan the QR Code provided below or use the link here to access the registration portal and confirm your participation in the event:
TICAD-9 THEMATIC SIDE EVENT AGENDA
Digital Public Infrastructure and Regional Command and Control Centre for Addressing Human-Nature Conflicts in Africa
📅 Date: 20th August 2025
🕒 Time: 15:20 – 16:50
📍 Venue: Exhibition Hall D, Pacifico Yokohama, Japan
🎟 Capacity: 250 (Theatre Style)
Master of Ceremony: Dr. Remi Chandran, Senior Expert, RESTEC-Japan
15:20 – 16:00 | Opening Session
- Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, Republic of Kenya
- Mr. Kaname Ikeda, President, Remote Sensing Technology Centre of Japan, Tokyo, Japan
- Hon. Amb. Dr. Pindi H. Chana,MP, Minister for Natural Resources & Tourism, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Hon. Tetsuro Yano, President of Association of African Economic and Development Japan, ex-Senior Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan
16:00 – 16:10 | Keynote Speech H.E. Hon. Dr. William Ruto, C.G.H., President – Republic of Kenya
16:10 – 16:50 | Expert Panel Discussion
Theme: Building a Command-and-Control Centre & Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Africa
Panelists:
- Mr. Edward Phiri, Director, Lusaka Agreement Task Force
- Dr. Shadrack Ngene, Wildlife Secretary, State Department for Wildlife, Republic of Kenya
- Ms. Reina Otsuka, Global Lead of the Digital for Nature and Climate at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), New York
- Mr. Yushi Nagano, Head of JICA DX Lab, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- Mr. Kaname Ikeda, President, Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC), Tokyo, Japan
Moderator: Mr. Tetsuji Ida, Senior Staff Writer and Editorial Writer, Kyodo News
