The Ambassador of the State of Israel to Kenya, His Excellency Yahel Vilan and the Deputy Ambassador, Mr. Nadav Peldman and the UN Women Regional Director, Madam Christine Musisi met at the UN Complex in Gigiri, on 16 February 2016 to sign the Memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the UN Women Regional Office and MASHAV-Israel Agency for International Development Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The incoming UN Women Regional Director, Madam Diana Ofwona was also in attendance.
The event marked the renewal of a cordial relationship between the two institutions. The first MOU was signed way back in 2013. This partnership is premised on the continued sharing of experiences, know-how and technologies between MASAHV and the UN Women established African Centre for Transformative and Inclusive Leadership (ACTIL).
The UN Women Regional Director, Madam Christine Musisi, echoed the amiable relationship between MASHAV and UN Women pointing out the tangible outcome of the partnership. The Regional Director reminded the participants during the signing that as a result of this partnership, women agricultural entrepreneurs in the region had spurred their farming techniques, for example, green houses. It was noted that this technology transfer was made possible as a result of exchange visits between ACTIL trainees and MASHAV that was made possible through the generosity of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi, Kenya.
Madam Christine Musisi welcomed the renewal of partnership encouraging MASAHAV to upscale technology transfer, particularly in areas related to agriculture, women political empowerment and organizational development of ACTIL. The Regional Director seized the opportunity to introduce the incoming Regional Director, Madam Diana Ofwona, encouraging the Regional Office to support and build the partnership to greater heights.
The Ambassador of the State of Israel to Kenya, His Excellency Yahel Vilan in his closing remarks, reiterated the friendly relationship between the Embassy and UN agencies. The Ambassador reminded participants that the Government of Israel has been supporting transfer of agricultural technologies to Kenya since the establishment of MASHAV in 1958. Noting that the Embassy was keen in supporting initiatives by UN Women on developmental projects in agriculture and innovation, reassured a continued support through the generosity of the Peoples of Israel.
The Ambassador pointed out that his country was happy to share its proceeds in development, innovations and technology applications with UN Women. Regarding strengthening ACTIL, the Ambassador encouraged UN Women to revitalize its vision and capacitate the institution into a centre of excellence equivalent to MASHAV.
Finally, the Ambassador expressed appreciation to the UN Women Regional Director and participants for convening the event and thanked Madam Christine Musisi for her sterling leadership.