Mount Kenya University (MKU) Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vincent Gaitho has sounded the alarm over the rising tide of global materialism, calling it a “disaster for climate change” and a major obstacle to achieving ecological balance and sustainable development.
Speaking during the Fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Learning Among Civilizations in Dunhuang City, Dr. Gaitho emphasized that current global ecological efforts including the Paris Climate Agreement, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), national green policies, and technological innovations are vital but face significant threats from unchecked materialism and rapid industrial advancement.
“These vices trigger unparalleled inequality and exclusions within nations,” Dr. Gaitho noted, warning that economic pursuits that surpass natural regeneration risk deepening global disparities and ecological degradation.
The dialogue, hosted by the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) and the People’s Government of Gansu Province, brought together scholars, policymakers, and international leaders under the theme: “Carrying Forward the Silk Road Spirit to Gather Momentum for the Implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative.”
In his presentation titled “Global Civilization Initiative and Ecological Actions: the Dilemma,” Dr. Gaitho discussed how contemporary civilization faces a paradox: striving for technological progress while battling its environmental consequences. He highlighted the threats posed by cybersecurity risks, artificial intelligence, population growth, and the rising global appetite for consumption—all of which complicate efforts to address climate change and promote sustainability.
“The ancient Silk Road fostered connectivity and mutual prosperity. However, today’s tech-driven version risks collapse under the weight of domination and competitiveness,” he warned, advocating for a balanced, inclusive approach grounded in the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). He praised the GCI’s vision of equality among nations—regardless of size—as a timely diplomatic philosophy to counter inequality and foster collaboration.
On the sidelines of the conference, the MKU delegation explored avenues for mutual academic collaboration with Lanzhou University, signaling Kenya’s growing role in international knowledge exchange and sustainability discourse.
Dr. Gaitho’s remarks underscore the urgent need to prioritize ecological integrity over material gain, warning that without shared values and cooperation, global civilization faces mounting environmental and social dilemmas.
