The director-general of the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), Mr. Kunle Yusuff, has appealed to the United Nations (UN) to accredit registered Nigerian civil society and community-based organisations (CSOs/CBOs) to enable them access UN partnerships and funding opportunities.
Yusuff made the appeal at the United Nations Headquarters in New York while engaging with the Director of the NGO Branch, Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
He said accreditation would strengthen the capacity of Nigerian CSOs and CBOs to play their roles in climate action advocacy, climate financing awareness and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the country.
“Accreditation will unlock global funding and UN network support for these changemakers,” Yusuff said.
The CSCHEI director-general noted that civil society organisations were critical to advancing climate action and sustainable development at the grassroots level, particularly in Nigeria.
He commended Nigeria’s alignment with the United Nations global agenda, pointing out that civil society organisations were being included in the work of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) through partnerships focused on the SDGs, climate change, the environment, education, artificial intelligence and security–civil society collaboration.
Yusuff highlighted the relationship between the Federal Government of Nigeria and civil society organisations in areas such as the Green Great Wall, green environment initiatives, basic education, artificial intelligence advocacy and collaboration with security agencies.
He specifically referenced the operational relationship between the Department of Civil Engagement in the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff and civil society organisations as part of ongoing cooperation in national development efforts.
According to him, the Federal Government has also been implementing United Nations recommendations by nominating members of CSOs, CBOs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) into MDAs with mandates related to the SDGs.
CSCHEI urged DESA to support Nigerian CSOs and CBOs to help amplify grassroots impact on climate action and sustainable development.
Yusuff commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the National Committee on Climate Change Awareness, which he said further demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to climate action.
