UN Climate Change Executive Secretary to Engage with Nigerian Stakeholders on Climate Action

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell will visit Nigeria from March 4-7 to engage with government, business, and civil society stakeholders regarding the nation’s climate plan. His visit includes meetings in Abuja and a symposium in Lagos focused on climate change and economic growth. Key topics will include the benefits of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution and initiatives for environmental protection.

Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), will undertake a four-day visit to Nigeria to discuss the potential benefits of a robust climate action plan. His agenda includes meetings with government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society groups, aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts towards addressing climate change.

The visit will commence in Abuja on March 4-5, where he will engage with key government stakeholders. Following these discussions, he will attend a symposium titled “Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove, and Art” on March 6 in Lagos, organized by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat.

During the symposium, scheduled at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Mr. Stiell will present a speech at approximately 10:05 AM (WAT) focusing on the potential of Nigeria’s new climate plan, known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). He aims to illustrate how this plan can stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty while ensuring energy access for all citizens.

The Executive Secretary will underscore the significance of ambitious climate strategies in enhancing Nigeria’s economic sectors and their resilience against extreme weather events caused by climate change. He will highlight initiatives such as the preservation of mangrove forests and the Great Green Wall project to mitigate the effects of climate impacts on the nation’s ecosystems.

Moreover, Mr. Stiell will participate in a panel discussion with business leaders on March 6, followed by meetings with civil society representatives on March 7. The UNFCCC, with 198 member parties, serves as the guiding framework for international climate agreements aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations and preventing harmful interference with the climate system.

The visit of UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell represents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to advance its climate agenda and foster collaboration among various sectors. His engagement aims to promote the benefits of implementing a strong climate plan, emphasizing economic growth and environmental resilience, as well as the importance of protecting ecosystems. Through this initiative, Nigeria may enhance both its national and international efforts to combat climate change effectively.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com