Policymakers To Mobilize Finance To Tackle Climate-Related Issues

In an era where the world grapples with critical environmental challenges, climate change, and sustainability, policymakers, and business leaders are set to address key critical policy issues such as decarbonization strategies, mobilization of finance for timely climate action, and the creation of ecosystems that address climate change, environmental, and SDGs-related issues.

Now in its seventh year, policymakers will convene at the 2023 Sustainability Table Discourse Series (STS) to mobilize finance for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the imperative need for investments in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related areas.

Themed: “Sustainability to Prosperity: Mobilizing Finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the convener of the Sustainability Table and Principal Consultant at Avantgarde, Kayode Olaniyan, averred that experts will share insights into channeling finance into SDG-related projects. “We are not just discussing the critical $10 billion funding gap for the SDGs but we will harness this challenge as an opportunity to attract capital and impact investments into sustainable projects for economic prosperity,” Olaniyan added.

The event, scheduled for 10.00 am, Thursday, November 2nd, 2023, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, will witness Lagos governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu; Kwara first lady, Dr. Olufolake Abdul Razaq; the minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Isiaq Salako; chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Dr. Yunus Akintunde; Ekiti state commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Akintunde Oyebode and Lagos state Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab.

From the private sector, CEO, IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish; founding partner, Ventures Platform Kola Aina; CEO, ARM Harith Infrastructure Investment Limited, Tariye Gbadegesin and CEO, Climate Finance and Investment Accelerator funded by the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Olumide Lala, amongst other stakeholders.

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“This year, we’re placing a special emphasis on integrating ESG principles into funding strategies, guiding us toward maximizing the returns on these investments. In this discourse, we aim to empower decision-makers with actionable insights, shaping a future where investments lead to impactful change. We will address policy issues and create a roadmap for global progress, unravel the climate geopolitics, drive decarbonization, mobilize climate finance, and nurture a resilient ecosystem.

“There is an intensifying urgency to mobilize finance for achieving the SDGs by changing the narrative, telling our sustainability success stories as Nigerians and Africans to the rest of the world.” He underlined the enormous potential and capacity that Nigeria holds for socio-economic prosperity when aligned with the SDGs,” the convener disclosed.

Speaking with journalists on the upcoming launch of his book “Not a Tick in the Box,” which is one of the activities at the STS 2023, Olaniyan stated that the book is a compelling journey into the heart of sustainable business practices.

“This transformative body of work challenges individuals, businesses, and stakeholders to go beyond superficial corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and intentionally integrate sustainability into their core strategies,” he stated.

Through engaging narratives and illustrative examples, Olaniyan illustrated that sustainability is not a mere checkbox exercise but a profound reorientation towards economic prosperity while upholding environmental and social responsibility. “This book bridges the gap between profit and the planet, urging readers to embrace a transformative journey that harmonizes business success with a better, more responsible, and environmentally conscious future,” he posited.

Highlighting the significance of the event, Olaniyan emphasized that Nigeria currently faces an annual funding gap of $10 billion to meet the SDGs, as estimated by the United Nations. Explaining further, he averred that the SDGs represent a global call to action, aiming to transform the world by ending poverty and inequality, protecting the planet, and ensuring health, justice, and prosperity for all.

“This year’s discourse will delve into various aspects of financing for the SDGs, including strategies to close the funding gap, showcasing Nigeria’s potential for sustainable growth on the global stage, and identifying factors contributing to the funding deficit,” he disclosed.