UN Climate Executive Secretary Simon Stiell will visit Nigeria from March 4-7 to discuss strategic climate actions with government, business leaders, and civil society. His agenda includes a speech on economic benefits of Nigeria’s climate plan and a symposium on climate change, mangroves, and art. The visit aims to stimulate discussions on environmental protection and sustainable development.
Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is set to visit Nigeria for a four-day engagement aimed at discussing the potential of a robust climate action plan. His itinerary includes meetings with government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives to explore the benefits that such plans could bring to Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
Stiell’s visit will begin in Abuja, where he will connect with Nigerian officials from March 4 to 5. This will be followed by his attendance at a symposium on March 6, focusing on the nexus of climate change with mangroves and art, hosted by Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change Secretariat at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos.
At the symposium, he will deliver a notable speech at 10:05 am (WAT), focusing on Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the economic opportunities arising from the new climate plan. He is expected to highlight how decisive climate action can alleviate poverty and enhance energy access across Nigeria, potentially enabling economic growth and resilience.
During his address, Stiell will underline how key sectors within Nigeria’s economy are poised for significant advancement. He will elaborate on the importance of having an ambitious climate strategy, which he believes is crucial for driving progress and delivering tangible benefits for communities and enterprises.
Stiell will also emphasize the necessity of environmental protection. He will discuss initiatives such as safeguarding mangrove forests and promoting efforts like the Great Green Wall, which aim to mitigate climate impacts on Nigeria’s citizens, agriculture, and infrastructure.
In addition to the symposium, Stiell is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion with business leaders on March 6 and to meet with civil society representatives on March 7, fostering dialogue on collaborative climate actions.
The UNFCCC, established with nearly universal participation, aims to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate efforts towards sustainable development, notably through the Paris Agreement’s objectives of curbing global temperature rise to safeguard ecosystems and human communities.
Simon Stiell’s visit underscores the importance of bold climate actions in Nigeria, focusing on leveraging opportunities for economic growth and resilience through an effective climate strategy. His engagements reflect a commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders for a sustainable future.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
