On March 20, UNAVEX hosted the 4th Virtual Exchange (VE) Day under the theme “Social and economic sustainability”. The plenary speech was delivered by Mr. Evans Njewa, representing the focal Point for the Government of Malawi. Following his presentation, Mr. Njewa answered students’ questions. The event was chaired by Dr. Julie Metta-Versmessen from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL).
Mr. Evans Njewa is an expert in sustainability, climate policy, and international development, currently serving as the Chief Environmental Officer and Head of Climate Change serving as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Focal Point for the Government of Malawi. With over two decades of experience in environmental governance, he has advanced policies that align climate action with economic resilience and social well-being. As Malawi’s lead climate negotiator since 2005, Mr. Njewa has supported the creation of national sustainability frameworks, including Malawi’s National Adaptation Programmes and Nationally Determined Contributions. In his role within Malawi, Mr. Njewa has overseen the development of the country’s First, Second, and Third National Communications, the National Adaptation Programmes of Action, the Biennial Update Report, and Malawi’s Nationally Determined Contributions. His international contributions include serving as a Board Member of the Adaptation Fund from 2019 to 2022, the Green Climate Fund from 2016 to 2017, and as a member of the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee overseeing the implementation of Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol from 2010 to 2014.
Initially, over 2,000 students from universities across Europe and Africa expressed interest in participating in the course. However, 350 students officially registered and confirmed their participation. On the 4th day, the Zoom session reached a peak of 140 participants.