UNGA 79 : Nigeria Intensifies Preparation
Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
Nigeria has intensified preparations towards the upcoming United Nations General Assembly UNGA and Conference of Parties COP29, following a crucial meeting convened by the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Ajuri Ngelale, with members of the Economic Team Office (ETO), and the National Climate Change Council (NCCC).
Ngelale disclosed this after his Tuesday’s meeting held at the State House with the NCCC and the ETO to review progress on preparations for cross-governmental engagements.
He noted that the Presidency compared notes on the progress of preparations ahead of cross-governmental engagements set to occur in the days ahead.
“Tuesday was an important day in our team’s preparations for UNGA and COP29. Combined members of the ETO, NCCC, and the Presidency compared notes on the progress of preparations ahead of cross-governmental engagements set to occur in the days ahead”.
Advancing climate action on global stage, the Nigeria’s all Climate related matters Coordinator, Ngelale also made known that he met with Michael Uwemedimo, leader of the $100 million Global Environment Facility (GEF) project.
Ngelale’s meeting with Uwemedimo, which reflects Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and environmental conservation, was one out of several critical meetings he held on Tuesday, aimed at advancing Nigeria’s climate action on the global stage.
The GEF project seeks to re-grow mangrove forests in the Niger Delta, offsetting carbon emissions in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“Later on Tuesday, I hosted a virtual call with Mr. Michael Uwemedimo, who is leading the $100 million GEF project launching next year, and is focused on massive mangrove forest regeneration in the Niger Delta to offset carbon emissions in conjunction with the UNDP.
“Also, I hosted a virtual call with Bloomberg Group Executive, Nicky Keefe concerning preparations for Nigeria’s participation at the B20 Business Forum in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and our plans to drive value chain localization in renewable energy technologies.”
He stated that the success of the project will bring about a significant impact on Nigeria’s carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts against climate change.
Ngelale further revealed that he also held another virtual call with Nicky Keefe, Bloomberg Group Executive, to discuss Nigeria’s participation in the B20 Business Forum in Brazil and plans to drive value chain localization in renewable energy technologies.
According to SPEC, his efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development, showcasing the country’s leadership on the global stage.
The Presidential Envoy ended the day at a dinner reception hosted by incoming U.S. Ambassador Rick Mills for members of U.S. President Joe Biden’s Advisory Council on African Relations.
“Finally, I was pleased to end Tuesday night at the incoming U.S. Ambassador’s Dinner Reception for members of U.S. President Joe Biden’s Advisory Council on African Relations. Incoming U.S. Ambassador Rick Mills was a gracious host”, Ngelale said.
