Officials from the Climate Change and Terrorism Centre at Swansea University, UK, recently met with Comrade Kelani Olatunji Yusuff, the special assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, and his team.
The meeting was part of the preparatory discussions for the upcoming 1st National Summit on Climate Change and Terrorism, which will be hosted by the Office of the Special Assistant on Climate Change Matters, in partnership with the African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP).
During the meeting, the participants focused on aligning strategies to address the interlinkages between climate change and terrorism, exploring potential solutions, and identifying key areas of collaboration.
Professor Stuart Macdonald, representing the vice chancellor and officials of the Climate Change and Terrorism Centre at Swansea University, UK, warmly received the delegation. During the meeting, he expressed his happiness at the opportunity to collaborate and take part in the discussions.
Professor Macdonald, along with his colleagues, took time to explain the operational activities of the Climate Change and Terrorism Centre, showcasing their expertise and dedication to tackling these critical global issues.
He further pledged their willingness to partner in hosting the summit and to collaborate with academic institutions in Nigeria. The Swansea University team expressed their commitment to supporting the establishment of similar Climate Change and Terrorism Centres at Nigerian universities.
This collaboration aims to foster knowledge exchange and enhance efforts in addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and terrorism, benefiting both countries in their shared goal for a sustainable and secure future.
The Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters expressed his gratitude to Swansea University for extending the study tour/familiarization invitation to the institution as well as the proposal to partner in hosting the summit. He emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to addressing critical issues such as climate change, security, education, and youth development.
He also highlighted that his office would work closely with the National Security Office and the National Universities Commission to establish Climate Change and Terrorism Centres in six universities across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
Amb. Chris C. Ibe, Founder and Executive Director of the African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP), an implementing partner for the project, explained that the visit aimed to explore opportunities for collaboration in tackling climate change and terrorism, particularly focusing on knowledge sharing and exchange between institutions.
The summit is set to bring together policymakers, experts, and youth leaders to discuss innovative approaches to mitigating climate-induced security challenges, promoting resilience, and fostering youth engagement in tackling climate change and terrorism in Nigeria and across Africa.
