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Flood: Lagos urges residents to relocate to safe areas

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Oluwatoyin Awosika, the Director of Public Enlightenment, Lagos State Ministry of Information, on Friday urged residents living on flood-prone areas to relocate to safe locations.
floodAwosika told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the ministry had commenced sensitisation of the affected residents to change their attitudes in order to avert flood disasters.
He said the state spent huge resources to make refuse collection cheap and affordable, adding that measures were already in place to relocate residents in case of flood disaster.
He said: “People would tell you all sorts of things.
“The water is flowing, they dump everything there, but it is going to block somewhere.
“So what happens?
“The water will fight back into homes.
“At night they cross the roads to dump refuse into the drains and on the highways.
“Government is always very careful.
“If you force people out now, they would tell you where do you want to relocate them to.
“Government doesn’t have the house to relocate.
“If there is a flood disaster, we would move them to the Imota and the Egbeda resettlement areas.
“So, you can’t say you are going to push them there until the rain leaves.
“So the best is to advice (them) to evacuate.
“It is not easy sincerely.
“Where are they going?
“Are they going to rent new apartments and then come back when the rains have stopped?
“So government is to continue to sensitise you to the dangers.
“Why we are telling you to relocate is that if a serious flood comes, you are now giving the excuses of money and this, lives would go.
“You cannot buy the lives.
“Your property gone.
“You cannot replace most of them.
“So it is better you try to relocate.
“Our own is to continue to hit the mindset, attitudinal mindset.
“That is all we continue to do.
“People change; we keep showing the documentaries for people see how the drains are blocked.
“What happens, how they de-flood, hit the road, spoil houses, everything.”
NAN reports that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had predicted heavy rains and possible flooding in 2015.
NIMET has advised people living on flood plains to relocate to safe areas.
NAN.

Why we can’t give mortgage loans to NHF contributors – FMBN

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The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria said on Friday that the monthly contributions to the National Housing Fund (NHF) by civil servants were inadequate to guarantee full and prompt access to the fund by contributors.
FMBN Managing Director, Gimba Ya’u Kumo
FMBN Managing Director, Gimba Ya’u Kumo

The FMBN’s Managing Director, Gimba Ya’u Kumo, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

Kumo urged the Federal Government to intervene in order to enhance more access to the fund by the contributors.
He said the FMBN needed adequate funds and support to enhance its services.
He said: “It is so because if you look at the NHF today, we have over four million contributors into the scheme, but if you look at the size of contribution, it is 2.5 per cent of their salaries.
“The total contribution is not enough to even give 100,000 contributors.
“That is why we have been complaining that we need Federal Government’s intervention.
“And the analysis runs this way: it means 250 contributors, contributing to the scheme for 10 years for one person to be able to access N15 million.
“And the Act provided that apart from the contributions the bank receives from the contributors to the scheme, government is supposed to be intervening on yearly basis.”
Kumo also said commercial banks that were supposed to deposit 10 per cent of their loan portfolio to the scheme were not doing so.
He said: “The Nigerian banks are supposed to be depositing 10 per cent of their loan portfolio to the scheme, but these had not been done over the years.
“Similarly the insurance companies have been mandated to contribute a certain percentage of their life funds and non-life funds, that’s policies 25 and 20 per cent, but these have not been done.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria that has almost 40 per cent of their shares in the bank since 2006 has not paid that shares, but (we) have been following up.
“I am happy that the government is putting in place funding for the bank and when that is done, we can see what we can do for Nigerians.”
Kumo commended the plans by the present administration to put in place funding for the bank, adding: “When t’his is done, Nigerians will benefit immensely.
“The issue is that 17 million (housing) deficits, the FMBN alone or Federal Government alone cannot meet up with that requirement.
“If you look at the new government policy to build one million houses every year, if that is done, it means that it will take government and other developers the next 17 years to close the existing deficit.
“And deficit continues to grow.
“So I think the housing situation is beyond the ordinary man’s comprehension because if we don’t intervene, we will be in the crisis situation in the next 15 to 20 years.”
Kumo said the population of the Federal Capital Territory in the past five to 10 years was not more than two million, but presently FCT had over seven million people.
He added: “So the houses available have been overstretched, facilities have been overstretched, transportation has been overstretched, including security issues.
“I believe with the steps to be taken by government now, we will soon feel the impact of the new housing policy.”
NAN.

‘Cholesterol in egg prevents heart disease, breast cancer’

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Stakeholders in poultry farming on Friday gathered to mark the World Egg Day to promote consumption of one-egg-per-day, saying cholesterol in egg prevents heart disease, breast cancer.
egg-yolkThe stakeholders included farmers, students, markets and egg merchants.
They expressed the belief that an egg has many nutritional benefits like protein, vitamins, and cholesterol, which can reduce the risks of heart diseases.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the programme was organised by the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter in collaboration with Novus Nigeria Limited.
The theme of the programme, held in Lagos, was: “Benefits of Eating One Egg a Day by the Nigerian Child.”
Speaking at the event, Oba Tijani Akinloye, the traditional ruler of Ajiran, highlighted the benefits of eating egg.
Akinloye, therefore, expressed his support for the government’s plan to introduce a meal per day in schools.
The Oba, who is also a poultry farmer, expressed the readiness of farmers in his area to produce eggs that would meet local demand for the one-egg-per-day project.
He said: “Nigeria is blessed with the resources to provide a child with a plate of food, which will include an egg.
“There is no food with protein that does not have cholesterol.
“An egg in every diet is the road to good health that will keep the doctor away.”
The royal father suggested four eggs per week for primary school pupils and six eggs per week for secondary students.
“That way, we are building a healthy Nigeria and poultry farmers are ready to work,” Akinloye said.
The monarch said he has been taking an egg daily since 1982 when he started his poultry farm.
Also speaking, Dr. Olajide Basorun, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, said the state presently produces about 500,000 eggs daily.
According to Basorun, the state has several poultry farms in Epe, Imota and Agbowa.
Basorun, who was represented Taye Amore, said the state was working hard to expand and increase egg production.
He said: “We have realised the importance of egg consumption and that is why we are part of the programme of the Federal Government’s one egg and meal per day initiative.
“With the scarcity of egg presently, poultry farmers should take the advantage and expand their farms and do more businesses in egg production.
“This will promote food security and healthy living at the same time.”
Dr. Olawumi Funso, an agriculture expert, said the cholesterol in egg was capable of reducing the cholesterol produced by the liver, which was dangerous to health.
Funso said: “Eggs provide the solution to a healthy living.
“Millions of Nigerian children are malnourished because they lack necessary nutrients.
“Egg is one of the most affordable solutions to problems associated with vitamins A, B2, B12, D, Folate, protein, selenium, choline and iodine.
“So, egg is an important vitamin pill for all ages both old and young.”
Funso was a Senior Assistant on Agriculture to former Governor Babatunde Fasola of Lagos State.
NAN reports that the World Egg Day was initiated by the International Egg Commission in order to promote nature’s vitamin pill, the egg.
Nigeria is one of seven African countries that celebrates WED every second Friday in October.
NAN.

One out of every six people in Africa suffers mental disorder – WHO

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Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa,on Friday said one out of every six people in the African continent suffers mental disorder.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. Photo credit: pbs.twimg.com
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. Photo credit: pbs.twimg.com

This was contained in a press statement issued in Abuja by Charity Ahrey, the Communications Officer of WHO, to commemorate the World Mental Health Day.

The statement said the theme of this year’s commemoration: “Dignity in mental health,” was aimed at drawing attention to the crucial need of mental health patients, adding that they required to be treated with dignity.
It urged the Federal Government to improve on mental healthcare by tackling discrimination through individual and community initiatives.
Moeti said: “I appeal to governments and partners to improve mental health by tackling discrimination through individual and community initiatives, as well as strengthen national programmes, policies and legislative measures.
“Intensified support from partners, civil society and donors, as well as strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers will contribute immensely towards addressing this growing problem in the communities and in the region.
“Mental health patients deserve respect and compassion while they cope with the disease.
“In the African region, it is estimated that one out of every six people suffers from some form of mental disorder, unfortunately, in the course of treatment, some patients are subjected to undignified treatment.”
The statement said patients were deprived of food for many hours, deprived from family support and inadequate personal hygiene.
It also noted that some countries in the African region had implemented a range of measures to improve awareness, restore dignity and access to mental health services at all levels of their healthcare.
It said: “Some countries have started the revision of their mental health legislation in order to protect the rights and dignity of persons affected by the condition.
“Despite these measures, the promotion of good mental health and understanding of its challenges, together with early detection, treatment and dignity for the patients are still a concern in many countries of the region.”
The statement, however, decried the fact that there was lack of trained and motivated personnel in the area of mental health and psychiatry, which it said needed urgent attention.
Moeti, in the statement, however, reaffirmed the support of WHO towards governments and stakeholders by providing the needed technical support to address and restore dignity in mental health.
NAN.

19m children blind globally – Opthamologist

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An ophthalmologist, Dr. Jaiyeola Adido, has said about 19 million children are blind globally.
eye-surgery-Nigeria3Adido, who disclosed to newsmen in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Saturday, noted that children and the aged were usually vulnerable to eye diseases in Nigeria.
He identified cataract, glaucoma and diabetes as major causes of blindness world over. He emphasised the need for people to always have balanced diets to save them from visual impairment.
Adido advised Nigerians to constantly check up their eyes to ensure early detection and treatment of ailments that could lead to blindness.
He counseled Nigerians to shun superstitious beliefs associated with blindness, stressing that the situation was largely responsible for the escalation of blindness in the country.
Adido identified the inability of children to copy note in school as a refractive error, which he noted could be corrected with the prescribed eye glasses.
NAN.

ERA/FoEN, groups accuse Wilmar of land grab in Cross River

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The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), civil society groups and communities impacted by oil palm companies in Cross River State have described as worrisome, the influx of oil palm companies in the state and their expansion activities which they have described as “land grab in its most brazen form.”

Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo of ERA/FoEN
Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo of ERA/FoEN

At an advocacy meeting in Calabar (the Capital of Cross River State) last week which had in attendance communities impacted by the PZ Cussons/Wilmar land grab, the groups resolved to mobilise, resist and take action to protect lands that they felt are under siege from Wilmar and oil palm companies activities that are systematically pushing locals out of their patrimony.

The Wilmar oil palm plantation impacted communities include Betem/Ehom, Akpet and Idoma communities from Biase Local Government Area (LGA) and Mbarakom/Uwet/Njagachang and Mfanosing/Aningeje from Akamkpa LGA.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the groups insist that Wilmar had not only short-changed them, but has also embarked on divide and rule to keep them in a perpetuity of servitude.

ERA/FoEN Executive Director, Godwin Uyi Ojo, said: “It is disheartening that Wilmar has become the face of land grab in Cross River State employing various tactics to make profits while keeping the typical forest communities under its boots.”

Ojo alleged that Wilmar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2011 with the state government wherein it was agreed that community assistance programmes such as road construction, provision of primary and secondary schools, health centres, portable water electricity and employment would be provided.

He stated that many communities insist that although they were told that an MOU exists, they have neither seen the document nor made aware of the contents of the agreement, “especially how it affects their community”.

According to him, other communities allege that Wilmar has made promises to them on employment of at least 20,000 workers and the building of a refinery but has failed to honour any as many workers earn a meagre N10,000 or less, far below the national minimum wage of N18,000.

“We are worried about Wilmar’s attempts to divide the communities through a capture of the elite, some government officials and chiefs on the one hand and ordinary community members, as a strategy of engendering divergence in views.”

One of such instance, Ojo pointed to, is a letter purportedly written by some chiefs that the communities gave their Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to the actions and activities the company was undertaking on community land, and that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had been conducted, published and made available to all communities.

“We join our voices with that of the communities demanding that Wilmar desist from deliberately dividing the community to avoid conflicts among community members and between different communities,” he demanded.

He also advocated that the state government set in motion the process to review agreements allegedly signed between it and Wilmar on behalf of the communities and ensure that all impacted communities and civil society groups are part of an open, transparent and inclusive review process.

Ojo urged Wilmar to immediately stop the “slave labour” and instead properly negotiate wages with the workers.

Nigeria chairs committee as Adaptation Fund Board approves more projects

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As adaptation demand grows, the AFB moves ahead with green light from evaluation report

Mr Peter Tarfa, Chair of the Project Programme Review Committee (PPRC) of the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB)
Mr Peter Tarfa, Chair of the Project Programme Review Committee (PPRC) of the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB)

The Adaptation Fund Board (AFB) has considered a record number of project and programme applications, approving three full project proposals and five preliminary projects, for a total of over $12.4 million. The Board is also expanding its scope of operations, making decisions on regional projects for the first time alongside national adaptation projects.

This is coming even as Nigerian Peter Tarfa was made Chair of the Project Programme Review Committee (PPRC) of the AFB.

A couple of months ago, Tarfa, along with Ms. Yuka Greiler from Switzerland (who is representing Western European and other Groups), was elected during the 25th Meeting of the AFB (AFB25) in Bonn, Germany to the posts of Vice Chair and Chair of the PPRC respectively.

But at the 26th Meeting (AFB26) that also held in Bonn from October 8-9, 2015, the Board elevated Tarfa to be Chair of the PPRC from Vice Chair. Among other duties, Tarfa will be responsible for evaluating and recommending submitted project and programme proposals to the Board for approval.

An observer described the development as “a critical position and an added feather for Nigeria in international climate diplomacy.”

Last week in Bonn, the Board also decided to accredit the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) as a Regional Implementing Entity (RIE) of the Adaptation Fund, making it the 5th regional accredited entity, and joining the 20 national, and 12 multi-national accredited bodies who partner with the Fund.

“The unprecedented number of proposals to the Fund shows the huge demand for action on adaptation to climate change – and confirms the increasing relevance of the Adaptation Fund,” said Hans Olav Ibrekk, Chair of the AFB.

“The independent evaluation report on our work shows that we are really delivering on our mandate. We have a track record of supporting projects that build the resilience of some of the world’s poorest people against the impacts of climate change. We have a strong pipeline of projects for the future. Now we urgently need to make sure that we have the financial resources to match that demand.”

Decisions taken at the 26th Adaptation Fund Board meeting included:

  • Approving a project proposal, Enhancing resilience to climate change of the small agriculture in the Chilean region of O’Higgins from the Chilean International Cooperation Agency for $9.96 million
  • Approving two project proposals from the Indian National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Climate proofing of watershed development projects in the states of Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu for $1.34 million, and Climate Smart Actions and Strategies in North Western Himalayan Region for Sustainable Livelihoods of Agriculture-Dependent Hill Communities for nearly $1 million
  • Endorsing two concept proposals from the Indian National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and the Centre de Suivi Ecologique in Senegal, funding a total of $60.000
  • Endorsing four pre-concept proposals under the new pilot programme for regional projects for a total of $80.000
  • Accrediting the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) as a Regional Implementing Entity (RIE) of the Adaptation Fund

Welcoming the positive findings of the independent evaluation report on the Fund, which stressed the Fund’s relevance, effectiveness and efficiency.

The AFB also further considered how to build synergies with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), mandating its Secretariat to continue discussions with the GCF, and requesting clarification from the Conference to the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (the reporting body for the Fund) about the Board’s mandate to take decisions on inter-Fund relations.

The Adaptation Fund was established under the Kyoto Protocol of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and has committed $330 million in 50 countries since 2010 to climate adaptation and resilience activities. To date, 51 projects have been approved with the majority in the implementation stage.

Planners to explore cities’ functionality at Ilorin forum

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Bothered by the fact that Nigerian cities may have failed to provide for and promote an environment sustainable for living, work and recreation, settlement development practitioners have taken up a campaign to address the unsavoury situation.

Chairman, Organising Committee and First National Vice-President of the NITP, Luka Achi
Chairman, Organising Committee and First National Vice-President of the NITP, Luka Achi

Under the aegis of their umbrella association – the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), the city planners are using the occasion of their yearly meeting and conference to beam a light on the issue. The 46th Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NITP has “Making Cities in Nigeria Functional” as its theme, and will hold in Ilorin, Kwara State October 27th to 30th, 2015.

Apart from taking stock of developments in the profession as well as welfare of the practitioners, the conference will attempt an overview of the functionality element of cities with a view to making them facilitate growth and development.

Chairman, Organising Committee and First National Vice-President of the NITP, Luka Achi, said: “The focus of this year’s theme is on making settlements in Nigeria functional. The human settlement is expected to provide and promote an environment suitable for sustainable living, work and recreation. In Nigeria, this dream has continued to be an illusion as settlements of various sizes and characteristics exhibit elements of disjointed and dysfunctional space use and inter-relationship.

“The impact of this can be observed in the absence of physical plans, poor transportation and related services, absence of social amenities and services and a general neglect of the socially disadvantaged group of the society. Where these plans exist, they are either distorted or not complied with.”

According to Mr. Achi, settlements are the centres of human survival and progress. “These investment, social development and cultural imprints evolve over time. The role of Planning is to ensure that these elements of human settlement progression are promoted through plans and development and control so as to ensure conduciveness, progress and fairness to all; and are sustained in the interest of future generations,” he added.

National Publicity Secretary of the NITP, Effiong Akpan, stated: “The goal of this year’s conference is to take an overview of the functionality elements of our cities with a view to exploring the application of physical planning strategies so as to make them functional and thereby facilitate growth and development of the human settlement in all its ramifications. To this extent, a practical experience sharing by the relevant stakeholders will be an added dimension to this programme.”

Nationa Secretary, Alex Ogbodo, stressed: “In fulfilling one of its objectives of traing and dissemination of information on the profession, the Institute organises National Conference and AGM every year during which issues of national importance and relevance are discussed, and recommendations are forwarded to government and other stakeholders for consideration and implementation with a view to facilitating organised growth and development in our nation.”

IPCC elects Bureau for Sixth Assessment Report

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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) completed the election of its new Bureau on Thursday, after electing Hoesung Lee of the Republic of Korea as its new Chair on Tuesday.

Dr Youba Sokona, a Malian, who is one of the three Vice-Chairs of the IPCC. Photo credit: www.unccd.int
Dr Youba Sokona, a Malian, who is one of the three Vice-Chairs of the IPCC. Photo credit: www.unccd.int

The new Bureau, which consists of 34 members, up from 31 in the previous Bureau, will lead the Panel as it works on the forthcoming Sixth Assessment Report. Members are drawn from all six of the IPCC’s regions, and include eight women, compared with five previously.

A list of the members of the new Bureau can be found here: http://www.ipcc.ch/nominations/results.shtml.

The Panel also elected its new Bureau for the Task Force on National Greenhouse Inventories (TFI), consisting of 14 members, including its two Co-Chairs. A list of members of the Task Force Bureau can be found here: http://www.ipcc.ch/nominations/results.shtml#tfb.

The two Task Force Bureau Co-Chairs are also members of the IPCC Bureau. “The new Bureau is a strong and diverse body, drawing on the richness and expertise of all the IPCC’s regions. I look forward to working with them on the Sixth Assessment Report,” said Lee.

The election took place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where the IPCC held its 42nd Session. The IPCC also authorised the budget for the coming year. The IPCC completed its Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) in November 2014.

The key findings of the AR5 Synthesis Report are:

– Human influence on the climate system is clear;

– The more we disrupt our climate, the more we risk severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts; and

– We have the means to limit climate change and build a more prosperous, sustainable future.

The next Session of the IPCC will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 11-15 April, 2016.

Financial markets shifting to address climate change, says report

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Private sector investments are shifting to address the challenges posed by climate change, and this trend could accelerate if governments and policy-makers take further actions to increase the demand for low-carbon, climate resilient investment, according to a report released today by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Change Support Team.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) during a recent visit to Nigeria
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) during a recent visit to Nigeria

The new report, “Trends in Private Sector Climate Finance,” found that the private sector had made significant strides in response to the challenge posed by climate change since the 2014 Climate Summit in New York, where a range of finance sector including leaders from banks, pension funds, insurers and asset managers announced a series of high-profile commitments and targets to increase climate finance.

The report argues that the private sector has led the effort so far, but that now it is time for the policy makers to take action in order to accelerate the pace of private sector investment and engagement.

The report was presented to finance ministers at a special gathering in Lima, Peru that was jointly convened by France and Peru at the margins of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.  It is a major milestone meeting, coming just over a month before countries meet in Paris to conclude a universal climate change agreement.

According to the new report, not only are most of the commitments made by the private sector at the Summit on track to being realised, moreover, hundreds of billions of dollars have been invested since the Summit to support low-carbon and climate-resilient investments in all parts of the world.

The increasing drive by the private sector, in both developed and developing countries is one of a series of trends that will help reduce emissions and improve climate resilience while providing energy, reducing air pollution and delivering a host of other benefits.

The report lists five inflection points that are signaling long term shifts. In addition to direct investments by the private sector, there has been the creation and expansion of the green bond market, which will issue between US $50-70 billion for climate finance in 2015. Other shifts include: the increased application of internal carbon pricing by companies that will determine investment opportunities; increased concern around the activities of carbon-intensive assets and companies; and the sustained scaling up of efforts by the insurance sector to respond to the climate impacts that are already locked in.

The report also highlights that despite these long-term signals, serious gaps remain. Low-carbon investments remain insufficient to put the world on a less than 2°C degree pathway, particularly in the developing countries, despite a finding that investment in renewables in emerging and developing countries are outpacing that of OECD members.

While the public sector has a vital role to play to help the world reorient itself to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, the report concluded that the bulk of the financing and insurance driving the much needed transition will be provided by the private sector.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly in September that “Climate finance will be crucial,” and he urged developed countries to meet the agreed goal of $100 billion per year by 2020.

The report does not address the ongoing negotiations within the UNFCCC as to what constitutes climate finance or on what should be counted towards the goal of mobilising $100 billion a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries. Rather, it provides details on the progress made on the commitments and targets set by the private sector and the changes in the financial markets that are emerging.

The report states that the private sector has emerged more fully as a partner since the 2009 Climate Conference in Copenhagen. Action in the finance sector coalesced, and received a substantial boost, at the 2014 Climate Summit, which was “born of a recognition that the UN itself needed to change in order to facilitate the economic transition,” and aimed to bring together all actors with a role in addressing climate change to catalyse creative ideas and engender new partnerships.

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