Prince of Netherlands visits UCT

The University of Cape Town (UCT) welcomed H.R.H. Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Netherlands Climate Envoy, on 12 December 2024. Hosted by UCT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mosa Moshabela, the visit aimed to enhance partnerships between South Africa and the Netherlands in addressing climate change, with a particular focus on opportunities within the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

The Prince was accompanied by the Netherlands Consul-General, Hélène Rekkers and Marlies den Boer, First Secretary for Climate, Water and Energy Transition. The delegation sought to gain deeper insights into South Africa’s climate ambitions and explore potential avenues for joint initiatives.

UCT’s host delegation included Professor Hussein Suleman, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor Harro von Blottnitz, Director: Energy Systems Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering; Professor Gina Ziervogel, Director of the African Climate & Development Initiative (ACDI) and Quinton Johnson, PhD, Director of the International Office.

Discussions during the visit emphasized shared commitments to sustainable development and knowledge exchange in tackling global climate challenges and reaffirmed the ties between the two nations, opening new opportunities for cooperation towards a brighter future.