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AfDB invests $20m infrastructure fund to boost continental development

Michael Simire
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AfDB invests $20m infrastructure fund to boost continental development

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a $20 million equity investment in the African Infrastructure Investment Fund 4 (AIIF4).

Akinwumi A. Adesina
AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina

The AfDB, in a statement, said the deal, signed on July 31, 2024, was to reinforce the Bank’s commitment to fostering private sector development and boosting infrastructure across the continent.

The statement said that the investment, approved by AfDB Group’s Board of Directors on June 19, would be financed from the Bank’s ordinary capital resources designated for private sector operations.

According to the statement, Africa’s infrastructure sector remains a significant investment opportunity, driven by substantial demand deficits and a scarcity of capital.

With rapid urbanisation and increasing local purchasing power, the continent requires between $130 and $170 billion annually, in infrastructure spending.

There is currently a substantial yearly financing gap of $68 to $108 billion, on the continent.

“AIIF4, with a 13-year term and a five-year investment period, has completed its first closing at $230 million, attracting international investors.

“To date, the Fund has raised more than the $500 million target, with the final close expected to be concluded in Q3 2024.

“The fund is projected to deliver significant development outcomes, particularly in private sector growth and household income improvement,” it said.

According to the statement, the Bank assesses the likelihood of achieving these outcomes on time as High.

It said the investment complemented the Bank’s “High 5” operational priorities, along with its 10-year Strategy (2024-2033), relating to accelerating and scaling up its operations.

It said the fund pipeline, also aligned with the Private Sector Development Strategy (2021-2025), the Climate Change and Green Growth Framework, and the Strategy for addressing Fragility and Building Resilience (2022-2026).

The statement quoted Mike Salawou, the bank’s Director for Infrastructure, Cities and Urban Development, as expressing AfDB’s commitment to infrastructure development on the continent.

“The bank is reinforcing its commitment and support to developing infrastructure in Africa to private sector participation.

“This is done by providing this scarce private equity investment to African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) to bridge the infrastructure financing gap in Africa.

“Therefore, our confidence in AIIM as a fund manager is renewed and strong, given its proven expertise and track record in driving impactful investments,” Salawou said.

The AIIM has transacted and identified a robust pipeline of investment opportunities in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and ports and logistics assets in South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco.

They are also actively screening deals in Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, among others.

The AIIF4 investment underscores the increasing role of private equity in addressing Africa’s infrastructure needs and highlights the continent’s potential for sustainable economic growth.

By Lucy Ogalue

Environmentalist berates IOCs for pollution in Niger Delta region

Michael Simire
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Environmentalist berates IOCs for pollution in Niger Delta region

An environmentalist, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, has berated the International Oil Companies (IOCs) over the sustained degradation of the Niger Delta region.

Nnimmo Bassey
Nnimmo Bassey

Bassey, who is the Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), said this at a two-day programme on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.

The environmentalist, who described the poor state of the region as a “privatised and sacrificed zone”, appealed to the Federal Government to stop the pollution, which is said to have reached unimaginable level.

Bassey, a renowned environmentalist who holds a national honour of Member of the Order of Federal Republic (MFR), spoke on the recovering of the region from the IOCs.

According to him, the current focus is the sacrifice zones in the world, how to stop and eliminate the pollution.

“My take or initial conclusion of what we are going to do today and tomorrow is that the Niger Delta is a privatised and sacrifice zone.

“The gold mines of South Africa, the gas fields, the phosphate fields of Togo and Western Sahara. These are all sacrifices.

“The lands are sacrificed, the people are sacrificed and all the revenue goes to the corrupt leaders,” he said.

According to him, our creeks, rivers, streams, coastal areas, swamps have all been privatised by oil companies and the Nigerian government agencies.

“How has this been done? 66, 68 years of oil extraction in commercial quantities in the Niger Delta have seen the complete pollution of our water bodies by oil spills.

The environmentalist noted that there were high concentration of benzene in drinking water in the region and spills had gone more than five-metre deep into the soil as the reckless extractive activities continued.

Dr Charles Oyibo, the university’s Head of Department, Environmental Management, said that he hoped the students had been better informed by the lecture.

Oyibo said the collaboration with HOMEF had been an eye opener in grappling with the issues of the environment.

By Shedrack Frank

IPCC approves outlines of first two reports in seventh assessment cycle

Michael Simire
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IPCC approves outlines of first two reports in seventh assessment cycle

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at its 61st Plenary Session in Sofia, Bulgaria, has agreed on the outlines of the “IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities” and the “2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-lived Climate Forcers”.

IPCC
L-R: IPCC Secretary, Abdalah Mokssit; IPCC Chair, Jim Skea; and Working Group III Co-Chairs Katherine Calvin (United States), and Joy Jacqueline Pereira (Malaysia). Photo credit: ENB-IISD / Anastasia Rodopoulou

Over 230 delegates from 114 member governments attending the week-long meeting in the Bulgarian capital also agreed on the respective timelines of the two reports.

“The Panel’s decision today paves the way for the critically important next stages in our work – the nomination and selection of authors who will actually write these two reports. We are keen for these processes to bring on board the most diverse and inclusive group of authors yet,” said IPCC Chair, Jim Skea, on Friday, August 2, 2024.

“The timing of these two reports confirms the continued policy relevance of IPCC scientific reports.”

The calls for nominations of authors are scheduled for release as early as next week.

The agreed outline of the “Special Report on Climate Change and Cities” includes trends, challenges and opportunities for cities in a changing climate, the actions and solutions to reduce urban risks and emissions, how to facilitate and accelerate change in the context of cities, and solutions by city and types and regions. Panel’s approval and publication of this Special Report are scheduled for March 2027. The detailed outline is available here.

The scientific leadership of the “Special Report on Climate Change and Cities” is shared between the IPCC’s three Working Groups. The Co-Chairs of Working Group II – Winston Chow and Bart van den Hurk – who are leading the report’s production, stressed that this Special Report is of immense relevance to many stakeholders around the world for implementing effective climate action in cities, adding that their team is dedicated to its timely development over the next three years.

The “2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-lived Climate Forcers” will guide the preparation and reporting of a national inventory of emissions of short-lived climate forcers. The planned publication time of this Methodology Report is July 2027. The detailed outline is available here.

Based on the report from the upcoming scoping meeting of the three Working Groups’ contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report, which is scheduled to take place in December 2024, at its next Plenary in early 2025, the Panel will agree on their respective scope, outlines, and work plans, including schedules and budgets.

IPCC
Chukwuemeka Okebugwu, Nigeria’s delegate to IPCC’s 61st Plenary Session in Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo credit: ENB-IISD / Anastasia Rodopoulou

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at its 61st Plenary Session in Sofia, Bulgaria, has agreed on the outlines of the “IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities” and the “2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-lived Climate Forcers”. Over 230 delegates from 114 member governments attending the week-long meeting in the Bulgarian capital also agreed on the respective timelines of the two reports.

“The Panel’s decision today paves the way for the critically important next stages in our work – the nomination and selection of authors who will actually write these two reports. We are keen for these processes to bring on board the most diverse and inclusive group of authors yet,” said IPCC Chair, Jim Skea, on Friday, August 2, 2024.

“The timing of these two reports confirms the continued policy relevance of IPCC scientific reports.”

The calls for nominations of authors are scheduled for release as early as next week.

The agreed outline of the “Special Report on Climate Change and Cities” includes trends, challenges and opportunities for cities in a changing climate, the actions and solutions to reduce urban risks and emissions, how to facilitate and accelerate change in the context of cities, and solutions by city and types and regions. Panel’s approval and publication of this Special Report are scheduled for March 2027. The detailed outline is available here.

The scientific leadership of the “Special Report on Climate Change and Cities” is shared between the IPCC’s three Working Groups. The Co-Chairs of Working Group II – Winston Chow and Bart van den Hurk – who are leading the report’s production, stressed that this Special Report is of immense relevance to many stakeholders around the world for implementing effective climate action in cities, adding that their team is dedicated to its timely development over the next three years.

The “2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-lived Climate Forcers” will guide the preparation and reporting of a national inventory of emissions of short-lived climate forcers. The planned publication time of this Methodology Report is July 2027. The detailed outline is available here.

Based on the report from the upcoming scoping meeting of the three Working Groups’ contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report, which is scheduled to take place in December 2024, at its next Plenary in early 2025, the Panel will agree on their respective scope, outlines, and work plans, including schedules and budgets.

Tipping risks from overshooting 1.5 °C can be minimised if warming is swiftly reversed – Study

Michael Simire
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0
Tipping risks from overshooting 1.5 °C can be minimised if warming is swiftly reversed – Study

Current climate policies imply a high risk for tipping of critical Earth system elements, even if temperatures return to below 1.5 °C of global warming after a period of overshoot. A new study published in Nature Communications indicates that this risk can be minimised if the warming is swiftly reversed.

Greenland Ice Sheet
Greenland Ice Sheet, one of the four interconnected core climate tipping elements analysed by scientists for tipping risk

That is why reducing emissions in the current decade is crucial for the stability of the Earth systems functions, researchers from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and other institutes write.

They analysed the tipping risks for four interconnected core climate tipping elements: the Greenland Ice Sheet, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), and the Amazon Rainforest.

Human-made climate change can lead to a destabilisation of large-scale components of the Earth system such as ice sheets or ocean circulation patterns, the so-called tipping elements. While these components will not tip over night, fundamental processes are put into motion unfolding over tens, hundreds or thousands of years.

These changes are of such a serious nature that they should be avoided at all costs, the researchers argue. In their new study, they assessed the risks of destabilisation of at least one tipping element because of overshooting 1.5 °C. Their analysis shows how crucial it is for the state of the planet to adhere to the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement. It further emphasises the legacy of today’s climate (in)action for centuries to millennia to come.

“While timescales to 2300 or beyond may seem far away, it is important to map out tipping risks to the best of our abilities. Our results show how vitally important it is to achieve and maintain net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit these risks for the next hundreds of years and beyond,” explains co-lead author Tessa Möller, scientist at IIASA and PIK.

“Our calculations reveal that following current policies until the end of this century would lead to a high tipping risk of 45 percent of at least one of the four elements tipping by 2300,” adds Möller.

Exceeding 2 °C global warming strongly increases tipping risks

“We see an increase in tipping risk with every tenth of a degree of overshoot above 1.5 °C. But if we were to also surpass 2 °C of global warming, tipping risks would escalate even more rapidly. This is very concerning as scenarios that follow currently implemented climate policies are estimated to result in about 2.6 °C of global warming by the end of this century,” says Annika Ernest Högner from PIK, who co-lead the study.

“Our study confirms that tipping risks in response to overshoots can be minimised if warming is swiftly reversed. Such a reversal of global warming can only be achieved if greenhouse gas emissions reach at least net-zero by 2100. The results underline the importance of the Paris Agreement’s climate objectives to limit warming to well below 2 °C even in case of a temporary overshoot above 1.5 °C”, says study author Nico Wunderling of PIK.

The four tipping elements analysed in the study are pivotal in regulating the stability of the Earth’s climate system. So far, complex Earth system models are not yet able to comprehensively simulate their non-linear behaviour, feedback, and interactions between some of the tipping elements. Therefore, the researchers used a stylised Earth system model to represent the main characteristics and behaviour and thereby systematically include relevant uncertainties in tipping elements and their interactions.

“This analysis of tipping point risks adds further support to the conclusion that we are underestimating risks, and need to now recognise that the legally binding objective in the Paris Agreement of holding global warming to ‘well below 2°C’, in reality means limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Due to insufficient emission reductions, we run an ever-increasing risk of a period overshooting this temperature limit, which we need to minimise at all costs, to reduce dire impacts to people across the world,” concludes PIK director and author of the study, Johan Rockström.

Six new sites added to UNESCO World Heritage list

Michael Simire
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Six new sites added to UNESCO World Heritage list

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee have followed advice from IUCN – as the official advisor on nature – to inscribe five new sites on the World Heritage List and extend one existing World Heritage site.

Flow Country World Heritage Site
King Charles III unveils the Flow Country World Heritage Site plaque commemorating the area becoming the seventh world heritage site in Scotland and the 35th in Britain

The announcement came on Friday, July 26, 2024, during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India.

“In line with IUCN’s recommendation, the World Heritage Committee has significantly strengthened the protection of these world’s treasures and sources of exceptional bio- and geodiversity,” said Tim Badman, Director of World Heritage at IUCN.

“These areas are home to the world’s most impressive dunes, exceptional cave-dwelling species, peat bogs and mires, as well as important bird migratory routes, yet are all under increasing pressure. They will benefit from the international recognition that comes from the UNESCO World Heritage List.”

The sites added to the list are:

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

A hotspot for terrestrial and marine biodiversity, and endemic species in the French Overseas Territory of French Polynesia, these islands are home to more than 305 plant species and an exceptional endemism of coastal fish and marine molluscs. It is also of cultural significance in relation to the historical initial occupation of the Marquesas archipelago by the Enata people between the 10th and 19th centuries.

The Flow Country, United Kingdom

This area protects one of the largest peat bog ecosystems remaining in Europe and is the first World Heritage site focussed on peatlands. Its ongoing peat-forming processes continue to sequester carbon on a very large scale. Peat bogs are a crucial defence against climate change, locking away carbon so it is not released as carbon dioxide.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

The national park has a breathtaking coastal sand dune system of striking contrasts. The park was inscribed for its unique geomorphological formations shaped by the interactions of climate and ocean, including the seasonal transformation through the formation of temporary lakes within extensive coastal barchan sand dunes.

Badain Jaran desert – Towers of Sand and Lakes, China

Located in the remote autonomous region of Inner Mongolia, this site is a world-renowned hyper-arid landscape with an abundance of striking interdunal lakes. It exhibits a myriad of colours caused by the varying salinity and microbial communities unique to each lake.

Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China

Upon IUCN’s recommendations, around 10 new components have been added to the existing site. These new areas include some of the most important habitats for migrating birds along the East Asian- Australasian Flyway. IUCN has recommended a further extension in the future to add additional sites that are vital to support migrating birds.

Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vjetrenica Cave, one of the longest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is home to one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots for cave-dwelling fauna, being home to a total of 231 taxa of subterranean biodiversity. Inscribed onto the World Heritage List, IUCN will work together with the State Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the recommendations of the Committee to guarantee sufficient water to the cave system and ensure adequate funding.

CITES agrees on actions to conserve, sustainably trade medicinal plants, orchids, African rosewoods

Michael Simire
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CITES agrees on actions to conserve, sustainably trade medicinal plants, orchids, African rosewoods

Plants offer crucial benefits for the health of the planet by helping mitigate climate change, regulating water use, supporting nutrient cycling and more. They also provide a range of benefits for the livelihoods of people.

CITES Plants Committee
The CITES Plants Committee. Photo credit: CITES Secretariat

African cherry is traditionally used for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. Rosewood is used as high-value timber for furniture and musical instruments. Edible tuberous orchids hold cultural significance for their use in traditional teas and desserts. Given the wide range of implications for both the planet people, the trade and harvest of these plant species must be well-regulated to ensure their use remains sustainable, results in long term benefits to the people and species involved and maintains the role that the species play in the ecosystem.

From July 8 to 12, 2024, the 27th meeting of the Plants Committee (PC27) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) convened a global community of plant conservation and trade experts in Geneva, Switzerland. Thirteen Members of the Plants Committee representing Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean, Europe, North America and Oceania participated in the meeting to exchange information, provide guidance and make recommendations on the conservation priorities of plant species in international trade. A total of 191 participants from 147 governments and 44 observer organisations also attended the meeting sharing their expertise with the Committee, further enriching the robust scientific discussions.

CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero, said: “The recommendations of the Plants Committee will not only provide advice to the Parties on scientific and technical matters of the Convention, but will also ensure the success of forthcoming initiatives, such as the workshop on African rosewood in September and the next stage of the CITES Tree Species Project…It is clear to me that the future of the plant species listed in the CITES Appendices is in good hands.”

The Committee agreed on numerous draft decisions for CITES Parties, which outline specific actions, recommendations, or directives on scientific and technical matters for consideration at the next CITES Conference of the Parties (COP20) in 2025. Once adopted, CITES Decisions and ResolutioOs inform the programmes of work for the next three-year intersessional period for Parties, the Committees and the Secretariat.

Several draft decisions and recommendations relating to orchids were agreed by the Committee for submission to COP20. The draft decisions include encouraging CITES Parties to regulate trade in edible tuberous orchids as required by the Convention, calling for a more formalised and systematic reporting approach for products of species like orchids commonly found in the food and cosmetics industries. Other proposed actions include making Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) using the new guidance and enhancing cooperation across borders for species identification.

The Committee took significant strides towards updating nomenclature references and guidance for artificially propagated species, such as for Malagasy ebonies and Agarwood species, respectively. Nomenclature references used in CITES provide information on taxonomic classification that serves as the legal basis for clarifying which species are covered by CITES. This information assists in correctly identifying species in trade and ensuring all 184 Parties use the same names when assessing applications, authorising international trade and monitoring the trade. Resources that support this implementation of the Convention include CITES Checklists. Similar to the CITES Dalbergia Checklist, a Malagasy ebonies checklist is now in development and has been recommended for adoption at CITES COP20.

After careful consideration of scientific assessments prepared and submitted by some range States relating to the sustainable harvest and international trade of African rosewood, the Committee agreed to export quotas for a limited number of rosewood specimens for countries that demonstrated that the proposed trade will be sustainable. This marks a critical step for range States and provides an incentive to strengthen sustainable trade practices, in benefit of both conservation efforts and local livelihoods.

At a side event hosted by the CITES Secretariat, progress for African rosewood was further magnified with the launch of the first global report on CITES rosewood tree species. The report aims to provide data and insights into the status and trade trends of rosewood species worldwide. Comprising case studies conducted by the Secretariat in partnership with TRAFFIC experts, the report is expected to serve as a vital resource for policymakers and conservationists, helping to guide future strategies and actions.

The CITES Secretariat hosted two additional side events during the weeklong meeting. The “CITES and Forests” event organised in partnership with CONABIO presented updates on the ongoing interdisciplinary study on the Convention’s contributions to forest conservation. The event offered participants the opportunity to provide feedback on initiatives, such as the new phase of the CITES Tree Species Project (CTSP). The “CITES Export Quota Tool” event introduced a new tool with built in checks and verifications that will allow Parties to upload their own nationally managed export quotas directly on the CITES website.

During the joint session of the CITES Plants Committee and the CITES Animals Committee (July 12 to 13, 2024), a significant joint achievement was discussed: The new NDF guidance developed through a collaborative process. The CITES NDF project brought together over 200 experts from Parties, observer organisations, the Secretariat, and implementing partners to develop new and updated guidance for NDFs, which aim to determine scientifically whether an export of an Appendix II CITES-listed specimen or product, or the introduction of an Appendix II CITES-listed specimen from the high seas is detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild.

Following the recent global workshop on non-detriment findings in Nairobi, December 2023, this is the first elaboration of NDF guidance led by CITES after the adoption of the Resolution on NDF guidance at COP16 in 2013.

In closing the Plants Committee meeting, Chair of the CITES Plants Committee, Flore Koumba Pambo, said: “We have had discussions that were complex but fruitful, and the results of our work will contribute significantly to the conservation and sustainable use of plant species listed in the CITES Appendices.”

The outcomes of the CITES Plants Committee meeting reflect a concerted effort to ensure international trade in plant species is sustainable. By developing and updating technical guidance, CITES aims to prevent the over-exploitation from trade of plant species and ensure their long-term survival in the wild. The meeting’s developments garner international cooperation and capacity building on CITES scientific and technical matters, which are essential for the effective implementation of conservation measures worldwide.

Govt unveils elephant sculpture to combat illegal wildlife trade

Michael Simire
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0
Govt unveils elephant sculpture to combat illegal wildlife trade

The war against illegal wildlife trafficking appears to have taken a new turn as the Federal Government of Nigeria unveiled an elephant sculpture from pulverised wildlife stockpiles.

Elephant sculpture
Participants during the official opening ceremony for the elephant sculpture in Abuja

Built using almost six tonnes of seized animal hoards, the monument, dubbed the “Giwa Statue of Renewed Hope” by the country’s State Minister for the Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, represents the government’s strict stance against any kind of wildlife crime.

Nigeria, like many other countries across the globe, is facing the issue of wildlife preservation. So, in its wisdom, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the body in charge of enforcing all environmental laws, including wildlife protection, in the country, collaborated with other sister agencies of the government, like the Nigerian Customs Service, which led to several rest periods between the years 2011 and 2023.

Among the materials seized from these suspects and held by NESREA were 185 bags containing 3,991 kg of pangolin scales, 11 bags containing crocodiles and other classified reptiles, 102 kg of leopard skins and feathers, and 2,500 kg of ivory. In October 2023, these items were incinerated by the regulator, followed by the crushing of the confiscated ivory in January 2024.

According to Dr. Salako, this action shows how dedicated the government is to tackle the difficult problems of both domestic biodiversity and global conservation efforts, as well as safeguarding designated endangered species.

“We need wildlife for our survival, wellbeing, and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, maintain the food chain, and keep us connected to nature,” he said during the unveiling ceremony of the sculpture in Abuja.

Therefore, to preserve the proposed balance, the minister urged all well-meaning Nigerians to assist the government’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking by offering intelligence, discouraging the poaching of animals, and refusing to use goods that are not sourced ethically.

In his address at the event, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, acknowledged that the display of the elephant sculpture symbolises the unwavering commitment by the government to abolish all forms of obnoxious wildlife trading at all levels.

“It is proof to CITES communities that Nigeria has not relented in carrying out its obligations to the international environmental conventions and promotion of eco-tourism,” he said.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

LEAP Africa, Dow partner to intensify youth action in Africa for SDGs

Michael Simire
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LEAP Africa, Dow partner to intensify youth action in Africa for SDGs

Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa, a leading non-profit organisation committed to leadership development and youth empowerment in Africa, has announced the fifth edition of its Youth Day of Service (YDOS) social impact initiative. Partnering with Dow Africa, a global leader in materials science, as the headline sponsor, the Pan-African initiative will kick off on August 12, 2024, coinciding with the United Nations International Youth Day.

Youth Climate Incubation Hub
Participants at a Youth Climate Incubation Hub in Owerri, Imo State

YDOS is a youth-led social impact campaign that empowers young Africans to drive tangible progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing resources, skills, and a platform for their voices, YDOS equips young people to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.

Africa’s growing youth population presents a unique opportunity for accelerated development. However, the continent is still facing significant challenges in achieving the SDGs.

“Africa’s youth have so much potential but face challenges on their path to a brighter future. Recognising this, LEAP Africa uses the Youth Day of Service (YDOS) to inspire young leaders across the continent to take action towards the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030,” said Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa.

“Simply throwing resources at these problems is not enough – YDOS seeks to empower young leaders with the skills and knowledge to tackle social challenges head-on. Through capacity-building support, recognition and financing, the Youth Day of Service will equip young SDG leaders with the tools for transformational change on the continent. Ultimately, YDOS goes beyond individual empowerment, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across African regions and countries, creating a vibrant network of changemakers united by a common purpose,” Ayeni added.

Sami Mainich, President of Dow Africa, stated: “Young people are the architects of our future, and their creativity, innovative thinking, and energy are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Dow is proud to partner with LEAP Africa once again on the Youth Day of Service. By empowering young leaders across Africa, we are investing in a sustainable future for the continent and creating lasting positive change.”

The theme for YDOS 2024, “Intensifying Youth Action for the SDGs,” reflects the campaign’s commitment to scaling impact. Marking a significant milestone since its inception, this year’s edition underscores LEAP Africa’s ongoing effort to engage and empower young leaders across Africa to drive meaningful change within their communities and contribute to achieving the SDGs by 2030.

This year, LEAP Africa will kickstart the initiative with a Pan-African stakeholder event to engage key partners and regional allies to develop a comprehensive strategy for achieving the SDGs through YDOS. This will be supported by other activities for participants including workshops, panel discussions, and grassroots project support, all designed to drive the integration of sustainability into every aspect of SDG implementation.

In 2023, YDOS mobilised over 10,000 young people across 28 African countries to implement 301 projects which spanned across all 17 sustainable development goals. The projects, which included four climate action rallies, the planting of 7,893 trees across nine countries, and the collection of 812,951.51 tons of waste across eight countries, directly benefited 139,245 people and indirectly benefited 696,225 across Africa.

Foundation urges Benue to establish Countering Traffic in Persons Commission

Michael Simire
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Foundation urges Benue to establish Countering Traffic in Persons Commission

The Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF) and CTIP Commission Cluster in Benue State have reiterated the call on the Benue State Government to take all necessary measures to curb the high incidence of human trafficking plaguing the state in recent times especially by establishing a Countering in Traffic of Persons Commission.

Hyacinth Alia
Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State

Rt. Rev. Inyon, N. N. (Bishop), speaking on behalf of AAF-CTIP Commission Cluster Benue State, also advised that the state government should establish structures at local and state levels to ensure the reduction.

Inyon made the demand during the walk to commemorate the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme “Leave No Child Behind”. He also welcomed the assurance of Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice to support all efforts at combating human trafficking in the state during an advocacy voice call prior to the rally.

The walk led by CTIP Commission Cluster Benue in collaboration with NAPTIP, UNHR, members of the Armed Forces, the media, NGOs and other stakeholders. The walk was organised in implementing the “Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE)” Project in Oyo, Taraba and Benue states of Nigeria with funding support from USAID through Palladium.

The project aims at establishing a Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) commission in the target states. AAF comprises of selected organisations such as FJDPC from Oyo, NUJ from Taraba and ECJP, OSA and GERI from Benue State.

The 2km walk started at the IBB Square, High Level Makurdi and proceeded through major streets in the city, raising awareness about the issue of Human Trafficking and calling for a collective action to combat the crime. Participants carried banners, posters and placards with messages condemning Human Trafficking and advocating for the protection of victims.

Key officials from NAPTIP, the Armed forces, the media and CTIP Benue state Cluster, NGOs addressed the participants and members of the public, emphasising the importance of collaboration in the Fight Against Human Trafficking. They highlighted the need for a united stand, stronger laws, more resources and increased awareness to effectively combat the scourge of Human Trafficking in Nigeria and Benue State in particular.

The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim, in his address at the rally, reassured CTIP Commission Cluster of his support and collaboration.

The security adviser to the Governor in address also gave his commitment to ensure that the attention of the Executive Governor will be further drawn to the ills of Human Trafficking activities as highlighted by the CTIP Benue State Cluster and the urgent need for a CTIP commission to be established as emphasised.

The rally ended with the CTIP Cluster commending the government of Benue State for their efforts so far and also ask that a CTIP commission be adopted by the designated committee put in place by Governor Alia led government for the immediate conduct of policy Gap mapping in the state within a 30-day period aimed at mopping up all outstanding laws and policies that are yet to be domesticated in Benue State.

The AAF/CTIP cluster Benue State hopes that, with her advocacy and sensitisation, members of the public and stakeholders will “Leave No Child Behind” in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons particularly in Benue State, Nigeria.

COP29: Azerbaijan hoping to effect transformation in energy sector – The Guardian

Michael Simire
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COP29: Azerbaijan hoping to effect transformation in energy sector – The Guardian

Azerbaijan is striving to transform its energy sector, with the country already witnessing a shift as the share of oil in its exports is currently decreasing, says an article by Fiona Harvey, the environmental editor at The Guardian of London.

Ilham Aliyev
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan

The author believes that Azerbaijan hopes to transform the energy sector, first at home and then in other oil-dependent economies.

“Holding COP29 in an oil-producing country is not unusual. Last year, the host was the United Arab Emirates, which has the world’s seventh-largest gas reserves. Many other fossil fuel-producing countries have held the presidency: the UK in 2021, Qatar in 2012, Canada in 2005, and Brazil in 1992 when the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was developed,” the publication states.

The author emphasises that for the Azerbaijani government, there is no contradiction in being an oil and gas exporter while striving to limit global temperatures to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Nigar Arpadarai, who holds an important position in the COP29 team as UN high-level champion, said: “I don’t think that oil-shaming is a good thing. Yes, we are an oil and gas country. This is our history. This is where we are coming from. But we are doing lots of things. We are committing and we have a strong drive towards a new paradigm.”

Progress on the climate crisis would be impossible without engaging oil and gas countries, Arpadarai added. “It’s not the right path, to isolate oil and gas countries. We need to have solidarity. The climate agenda is a global agenda. All countries together need to try to solve the problem,” she said.

Harvey reminded that, last month, Azerbaijan proposed creating a fund for developing countries affected by the climate crisis, hoping that other countries would also contribute to it.

According to her, a key issue at COP29 will be attracting the funding needed by poor countries to reduce emissions and overcome the effects of extreme weather. This will require trillions of dollars a year, but so far, the rich developed world has barely fulfilled its long-standing commitment to provide $100 billion annually, she said.

In conclusion, Fiona Harvey noted that for Azerbaijan, quadrupling renewable energy production from a small base may be just the beginning.

The entire economy of this oil and gas state, like the entire world economy, will have to be restructured, she summarised.

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