As the United Kingdom prepares to host the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) from November 1 – 12 2021, the President-Designate of COP26, Mr Alok Sharma visited Nigeria with the aim of addressing the challenge of climate change with support from the UK government. Mr Sharma met with the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo as well as the Honourable Minister for Environment, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar and the Honourable Minister of Environment for State, Sharon Ikeazor.
As part of the visit, Mr Sharma met with representatives of civil society organizations and youth groups. Blessing Ewa, a youth champion with the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network was invited by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria to the reception. Ms Blessing Ewa shared how the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network is advocating for decent work for young Nigerians through the implementation of the Nigeria Youth Employment Action Plans with emphasis on the green and circular economy.
As a youth led and youth focused organization, the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network is providing opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to local and global agenda. Currently, the network is the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth Global Focal Point for Life Below Water (SDG 14) where it advocates for policies that caters towards the blue and green economy.
As the world prepares to attend the COP26 in Glasgow this November, it is important that we create actionable steps that will provide young people to build an inclusive and resilient society leveraging on the blue and green economy. Also, decision makers in Nigeria need to ensure that we address the challenges of climate change and pressing environmental issues facing vulnerable communities.
