Group Seeks Collaboration With CSOs On Climate Change Financing

The Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative, CSCHEI, in Nigeria, has expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s representation at COP 28 in Dubai, reflecting the nation’s commitment to aligning with the SDGs Global Agenda 2023.

The director general of CSCHEI, Kunle Yusuff, in a statement in Abuja said the feat was in contrast to COP 27 in Cairo, Egypt, where engagement between Civil Society Organizations and Federal Government officials was challenging.

He noted with delight that nine Institutional members of CSCHEI actively participated in COP 28, fostering collaboration with Global Civil partners on Climate Action Sustainable Financing.

Recall that the COP 28 in Dubai was aimed at identifying global solutions for limiting global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees, informing countries’ preparations for revised National Determined Contributions by 2025, and accelerating the ongoing Green Transition.

The Sustainable Innovation Forum featured key topics such as Climate Action Innovations, Race to Zero, Climate Transition Planning, and Digitalization’s role in Decarbonization. CSCHEI urges Federal Government Agencies to collaborate with Civil Society for effective Global Climate Change financing and SDGs integration across all institutions.

The DG said that CSCHEI provides a platform for coordination, mobilisation, and organisation of NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs, aligning with the SDGs for Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment in Nigeria.

He explained that in the quest for sustainable energy solutions, an intimate dinner discussion with the theme,

“Accelerating the Energy Transition: The Need for Collective Action,” explored collaborative efforts in transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources, fostering meaningful connections among participants.

A techUK roundtable explores emerging technologies like AI and digital twins for climate resilience and adaptation, addressing barriers to their impactful deployment.

The Sustainable Finance Forum emphasised the competitive nature of sustainable business, discussing lessons learned in engaging financial institutions for climate finance and driving demand for low carbon solutions.
The executive dialogue on Digitalization in Decarbonization delved into the challenges of the energy transition and digitalization key role in advancing sustainability goals.

COP 28’s significance is underscored by Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, urging commitment to every COP28 agreement, including the Loss & Damage Fund. The Agri-Food Systems Summit, in collaboration with the FAO, focuses on transforming agri-food systems for a sustainable and resilient future.
He said that CSO’s utilised COP 28 as an opportunity to consolidate, collaborate, and consult on contributing positively to Climate Actions.

He said that the African Civil Society Coalition’s priorities at COP 28 included adaptation, loss and damage, food systems, land use, and forest protection.

According to him, “African Development Bank President advocates for climate finance for Africa, highlighting the continent’s wealth beyond GDP measurements. The coalition calls for the inclusion of farmers and local communities in climate initiatives.

“COP 28 underscores Solidarity and Synergy between the Bank-Civil Society Organizations for Climate Action financing, as emphasised in the Central Africa Civil Society Regional Forum, West Africa Civil Society Regional Forum, Northern Africa Civil Society Regional Forum, Southern Africa Civil Society Regional Forum, East Africa Civil Society Regional Forum, and nine Institutional members of CSCHEI.

“The federal government’s participation in COP 28 should translate to tangible Climate Change Plans in Nigeria.

“I am glad to share with you that over 1000 registered NGOs, CBOs, and FBOSs attended the launching of CSCHEI 2024 programs and projects to further strengthen the discussions on Climate Change, Climate Action, Climate Financing and next seven years of Global Agenda 2030. The programme was eventful, well attended by UN- Agencies, Federal Government Officials, National Assembly Committee Chairmen, Director General of various Agencies and known Development Agents.”