Environment; Vice-President Shettima urges Pan-African collaboration on Climate Change

*Nigerian Vice-President (Senator) Kashim Shettima implores African countries to unite in addressing the brunt of climate change and social impact challenges facing the continent

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Vice President (Senator) Kashim Shettima has implored African countries to unite in addressing climate change and social impact challenges facing the continent.

Senator Shettima said this in a keynote address presented Thursday, July 25, 2024, during the Africa Social Impact Summit 2024, in Lagos, VP Shettima, represented at the event by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council and Investment, stressed the urgency of collaborative action.

The Vice-President also urged leaders on the African continent to work together in developing sustainable practices and protecting ecosystems as a means of securing a greener future and springboard for the continent’s overall development and progress in the face of existential climate realities.

He stated: “The brunt of climate change that Africa faces can only be mitigated if we stand together.”

Noting that climate change is an existential issue, Senator Shettima described it as “the elephant in every social impact room.”

The Vice-President emphasised the need for joint efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as technological innovation in the agriculture and energy sectors.

Shettima further stressed the importance of investing in quality education and skills development across the continent, calling for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare systems in African nations.

“Whatever blueprints we promote must focus on innovation. That’s the compass of social impact,” stated he.

He as well encouraged African countries to empower local innovators, invest in research, and create ecosystems that foster ground-breaking solutions to deliver maximum social impact.

He emphasised that from agricultural to energy solutions, harnessing technology and creativity is crucial for saving today and preparing for tomorrow.

The Vice-President stated: “We may gather in meeting rooms and conferences to philosophise about changing our world, but the truth remains that we can never guarantee social impact without an educated society.”

He, therefore, advocated investments in quality education, vocational training, and lifelong learning, and reiterated the need to equip African youths with relevant skills for the digital age.

The Vice-President described education as “the bridge to a system that works” and “the secret ingredient of every development.”

VP Shettima praised Lagos as a model for successful urban development and Public-Private Partnership (PPPs).

He also noted that “Lagos is a template for the synergy of private and public sectors to build a system that works.”

The Vice President called for a unified approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Shettima stated: “Only as a unified front can we create an all-inclusive approach to achieving the SDGs and deliver social impact across the board.”