Global collaboration critical pathway to sustainable development — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the necessity of global cooperation in tackling climate change and fostering sustainable development.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, on the theme, “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,” President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with the international community to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

“No single nation can walk the road to sustainability alone,” President Tinubu declared, stressing the importance of collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support in addressing the pressing challenges of our interconnected world.

The president framed the fight against climate change as more than an environmental obligation, it is a global economic opportunity to reshape Africa’s trajectory and the broader energy landscape.

“As leaders, stakeholders, and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate, and act decisively as one global community,” he said.

President Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s three-pillar strategy for sustainability: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development.

He noted that his administration is advancing actionable programs aligned with international expectations while addressing Nigeria’s unique economic and political realities.

Nigeria is transitioning to cleaner energy sources, diversifying its energy mix, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

These efforts include developing infrastructure for the widespread use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles while leveraging solid minerals to support the green energy transition.

The President highlighted initiatives like the National Clean Cooking Policy, which promotes clean energy and enhances socio-economic development. Additionally, climate-smart agricultural practices are being implemented to boost food security while mitigating environmental impacts.

Local communities are also key partners in addressing environmental challenges such as deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution – threats that jeopardize millions of livelihoods. President Tinubu called for international collaboration to mobilize resources, embrace innovation, and deploy technology to tackle these pressing issues.

“To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must integrate sustainable practices across all sectors of our economies,” the President urged.

He noted that achieving these goals requires significant investments and appealed to partner countries, multinational organizations, development agencies, and private investors to join Nigeria in pursuing a sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future.

Nigeria’s leadership in green financing was also emphasized.

The country became the first in Africa to issue Sovereign Green Bonds to fund eco-friendly projects, with its third issuance currently underway. “We urge investors to partner with us in this regard. Our administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

President Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s readiness to embrace advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and precision farming, to maximize the potential of its arable lands and address environmental challenges.

By partnering with global leaders, he said, Nigeria is exploring innovative solutions to drive sustainable development.

President Tinubu commended UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his leadership in hosting the event, which brought together world leaders to exchange perspectives on collective solutions to global challenges.

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