As part of ongoing effort to address the challenges posed by climate change, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would participate in the first ever subnational Green Economy Summit in Minna, the capital of Niger state.
Governor Muhammadu Umaru Bago made this known at a press conference held in Abuja ahead of the two-day event holding on the 24th and 25th of October this year.
The event coincides with the United Nations Day as well as the climate advocacy group, 350.org’s, International Day (of advocacy) for Climate Action, on the 24th of October each year.
Bago explained that the summit was in response to the global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts, insecurity and the growing need for sustainable solutions.
The Governor further stated that he will be unveiling the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint to guide the state developmental choice of actions on climate change.
Themed “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity”, Bago stated that the summit encapsulates the central vision and purpose of the Niger State Green Economy initiative.
He added: “It communicates the state’s commitment to the sustainable development of its valuable natural resources (green assets), and the use of innovative practices in driving economic growth and prosperity.
“The target is to unlock the states’ green economy potential to achieve prosperity for all its residents. By adopting this theme, the Niger State Green Economy Summit aims to inspire collaboration, knowledge sharing, and concrete actions that will lead to a greener, more sustainable, and prosperous future for the state and its people.”
He said the summit is in alignment with the country’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, transition to a low-carbon economy adding it will help in meeting Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Governor further stated that the summit will also emphasize the role of local communities and their indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development while empowering them with the necessary knowledge and resources to engage in eco-friendly practices and green initiatives, to achieve the UN SDGs.
The Governor disclosed that no fewer than 500 participants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds are to discuss and help proffer solutions to issues of decarbonizing Energy Systems, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Green Agriculture, Food Security, Eco-Tourism and Community Development.
Other issues to be discussed include; Conserving Biodiversity for Sustainable Development, Innovative Solutions for Water Management, Smart Cities, Sustainable Urbanization, Women and Youth Engagement.
The event will have Keynote Speakers, lead speakers, panelists, presenters, and other contributors which include the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Ministers, heads of pertinent Agencies, State Governors, representatives of multilateral and bilateral international organizations, development partners and development finance institutions, captains of industry, local and international experts on the theme and sub-themes, members of the academia, community leaders, youth and women group representatives, civil society organizations.
The choice of the date is to underscore the resolve to partake in achieving collective global goals through responsible local action, as Nigeria prepares to participate in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, between Nov. 30th and Dec. 12th, 2023.
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