Nasra Nanda

Africa’s rapid urbanisation presents both a climate challenge and an opportunity to rethink the relationship between nature, economic development, and the built environment. What if forests and other natural systems were understood as assets that underpin resilient cities, sustainable livelihoods, and low-carbon development? Drawing on her experience across government, industry, and civil society, Nasra will use Kenya as a case study to explore the connections between forest governance, sustainable construction materials, climate finance, public policy, and urban resilience. The lecture will draw on her experience supporting the Government of Kenya in developing its COP28 commitment on sustainable wood in construction under the Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership, alongside her work on built environment decarbonisation and climate-resilient urban development. The session will examine what it takes to translate climate and nature commitments into policy, investment, and market transformation. It will also consider what Kenya’s experience can offer other African economies seeking development pathways in which natural systems, resilient cities, and economic growth reinforce one another.

Speaker Biography

Nasra Nanda – Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Green Building Society

Nasra Nanda is a climate governance, sustainable finance and built environment strategist whose work spans law, public policy and market transformation across Africa. She is Chief Executive Officer and ESG Lead at the Kenya Green Building Society, Chair of the World Green Building Council’s Africa Regional Network, and a Member of the Nairobi City County Assembly. A lawyer by training, Nasra works across government, finance and industry to translate climate commitments into policy, investment and implementation. She supported the Government of Kenya in developing its COP28 commitment under the Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership on greening construction with sustainable wood and previously served on Kenya’s Presidential Taskforce on Illegal Logging. As a legislator, she has contributed to Nairobi’s climate change legislation and champions urban flood resilience and sustainable urban development. Her work connects climate governance, finance and sustainability to advance a low-carbon, resilient and inclusive built environment across Africa.