The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has called on committee members to work diligently in shaping the ministry’s position for the upcoming 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
This international conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the theme “In Solidarity for a Green World.”
Represented by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, Lawal made this appeal during the committee’s inauguration in Abuja. Salako emphasised the need for the committee to leverage its expertise and experience to craft a comprehensive strategy for effective participation at the conference. He highlighted the importance of inclusivity, equity and holistic solutions in addressing climate issues, while also advocating for financial mechanisms to support climate adaptation and mitigation.
Salako urged committee members to bring their commitment and vision to the task, working together with the belief that a sustainable future is achievable. He underscored that the outcomes of the committee’s work would significantly impact the nation’s representation and adherence to the conference’s commitments.
The upcoming COP29 will serve as more than just a negotiation platform; it will be a critical opportunity to reaffirm global commitments, elevate ambitions, and foster international collaboration across nations and generations. Salako highlighted the need for reflection on the results of previous COPs, particularly the agreements on financing to address loss and damage from climate change, which emerged from COP28 in Dubai.
The committee, chaired by Salako, consists of members from various professional departments within the ministry and its associated agencies. He urged them to work cohesively to meet the committee’s objectives.
In her opening remarks, the director of climate change and vice chairman of the committee, Dr. Iniagbon Abiola-Awe stressed that nominations to the committee represent a national duty. She emphasised that the success of Nigeria at COP29 will depend on the timely submission of the committee’s report.
A statement from ministry’s head of press and public relations, Ibrahim Haruna noted that COP27 and COP28 were previously held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt and Dubai, UAE, respectively.
