The Nigeria Climate Change Forum, scheduled for 28 – 29 January, 2025, in Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria, hosted by Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology Nigeria under the patronage of Sen. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Vice Chairman, Nigeria Climate Change Council is a pivotal event aimed at catalyzing transformative actions to address climate change challenges across the continent. With 17% of the world’s population, Africa emits only 4% of global emissions, standing as the planet’s least emitter and net-positive. Its remarkable status and hosting iconic forests like the Congo basin forest position Africa as a vital force in stabilizing global climate. The Congo Basin, dubbed the “planet lung,” stores over 30 billion metric tons of carbon, surpassing the combined tropical forests of the Amazon and Asia.

Despite its minimal contribution to emissions, Africa faces heightened vulnerability to climate change due to biophysical and socioeconomic factors. Its equatorial position accelerates warming rates, while socioeconomic challenges amplify vulnerability, particularly among disadvantaged communities lacking resources for climate resilience. The Forum is strategically aligned with the objectives outlined in the Paris Climate Accord and the key deliverables set forth at COP-28, emphasizing sustainability and achieving Net Zero emissions targets.

This groundbreaking event seeks to tackle the primary challenges hindering progress towards achieving the United Nations SDGs on Zero Hunger (SDG 1) through improved Agricultural reform and Food Security, Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13) by taking action to combat climate change.

The Nigeria Climate Change Forum is set to emerge as a premier annual gathering for the African region, drawing Ministries, Government Authorities, Chief Executives, senior decision-makers, industry leaders, and climate activists from various sectors. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the forum aims to spearhead collective efforts towards achieving the region’s sustainability and decarbonization goals, marking a significant step forward in addressing the urgent climate crisis and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.