Nigerian Conservation Foundation and Ford Foundation Join Forces to Empower Climate Advocates
LAGOS/Nigeria: In a bid to amplify the voices advocating for climate justice in Nigeria, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has forged a strategic partnership with the Ford Foundation. This collaboration aims to extend financial support to members of the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance (NCJA).
Dr. Joseph Onoja, the Director-General of NCF, affirmed in a press release that seven selected members of the Alliance are set to actively participate in the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, UAE, this conference marks a crucial platform for global climate discourse.
The genesis of the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance dates back to its launch in Abuja in July 2023. Its primary objective revolves around bolstering the representation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria, channeling efforts toward implementing climate actions that specifically benefit the most vulnerable demographics, ensuring equitable outcomes.
Dr. Onoja highlighted the unparalleled opportunity this presents for Alliance members, as they are poised to engage with leaders and representatives from approximately 192 countries, alongside numerous observer organizations and international governmental bodies. COP28, according to him, serves as a pivotal juncture where local voices can resonate on a global stage, holding leaders accountable for their commitments while advocating for more ambitious climate strategies.
As the secretariat of the NCJA, the NCF is tasked with coordinating, supporting, and guiding these members throughout their involvement in the conference. The participating members will not only attend COP28 sessions but also engage in side events, bilateral discussions, mentorship forums, and actively champion campaigns promoting climate justice, prioritizing the preservation of nature during climate negotiations.
Dr. Onoja emphasized the transformative nature of this opportunity for some participants who will experience COP for the first time, expressing their enthusiasm for this life-changing experience.
Highlighting the significance of COP28, he noted that this conference marks the final global stocktaking following the landmark Paris Agreement of 2015. This assessment aims to gauge the effectiveness of worldwide climate actions, especially in maintaining global average temperatures within the critical limit of 1.5°C. The imperative to urge world leaders to intensify their commitments toward more ambitious climate actions is a core focus.
Additionally, Dr. Onoja underscored the anticipated finalization of the framework for the Loss and Damage Fund established in Sham El-Sheikh, a critical development expected at COP28.
Concluding on an anticipatory note, Dr. Onoja highlighted the global expectation for COP28 to yield substantial outcomes. He expressed hope that climate negotiators would embrace multilateralism, fostering unity and collective action for the betterment of the planet.
