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UK, Italy promise support for ecological transition of developing countries

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UK, Italy promise support for ecological transition of developing countries

UK, Italy promise support for ecological transition of developing countries

The United Kingdom and Italian Governments have promised to support the ecological transition of developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the Ambassadors of the two countries who are co-hosting the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) holding in Glasgow between 31 October-12 November 2021, said both their countries are committed to support the funding of efforts at combating the threats of climate change in developing countries.

Speaking at the press briefing in Abuja, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Stefano Pontesilli said: “The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR in Italian) launched by the Italian government to boost the economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has at its heart the goal of allowing the green development of our Country. Therefore a large part of the funds allocated through the ‘Next Generation EU Program’ will be invested in redeveloping our economy and our industrial system in a way that will help us, among other things, to achieve all targets set within the COP26 agenda.

“Indeed, what used to be our Ministry of Environment has been reinforced and renamed the Ministry for Ecological Transition, to highlight its accrued role in supporting the transition of our entire economy towards sustainable growth that can reduce the impact on climate.

“It is with this ambitious internal climate change agenda that Italy goes to Glasgow next week, ready to share its experience and learn from others. It brings to the table also a strong commitment to support the ecological transition of developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

He added that: “Nigeria, with its experience in the field of hydrocarbons and with a population that is due to be the fourth largest on the planet in 2050, has a significant role to play in COP26. Challenges and opportunities lay ahead, but what is clear is that the transition to green and circular economies will be at the heart of both national agendas and multilateral collaboration in the coming years and that it presents the classic ‘win-win’ scenario where Countries with mature and developing economies can collaborate successfully. Italy and its green industries are ready to collaborate with Nigerian partners, starting with the private sector, to identify and develop the opportunities that arise from the economic transition towards sustainable development.”

On her part United Kingdom’s High Commissioner Catriona Laing who was represented by the Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones at the briefing, said her government has four clear goals at COP26 which they would like all world leaders and their delegations to support.

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According to her, the goals are to secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach; to adapt behaviour to protect communities and natural habitats; to mobilise finance – developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100 billion in climate finance per year; and to work together to deliver – finalise the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational), and accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.

She noted that the UK would want the  outcomes of the negotiations at COP26 to protect and restore nature, follow the best available science, and empower inclusive action.

She said: “We look forward to seeing Nigeria engaging actively at the World Leaders Summit and the theme days and playing a constructive role in the COP26 negotiations. We also look forward to seeing Nigeria showcasing progressive climate-related policies and actions. We hope Nigeria can help other countries to raise their levels of ambition, and commit to action.

She noted that: “The UK has committed – through its UKAID programmes considerable support to assist Nigeria as it transitions to a low carbon energy economy, and to help raise the finance needed to make this transition.”

She said: “We (UK) have secured £6 billion in green investment since the launch of the UK Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan last November, securing 56,000 high quality green jobs.

“We have committed £11.6 billion in international climate finance over the next five years.

“We were the first major economy in the world to set Net Zero in law – and we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

“We have grown our economy by over 75% in 30 years while cutting emissions by 44%

“We have decarbonised our economy faster than any other G20 nation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions faster than any other G7 nation since 2010.

• Increasing the amount of renewables connected to the grid by 500% since 2009.

“We are committed to hosting COP26 as a physical in person event, and have put robust covid-19 compliance measures in place which all delegates are being asked to adhere to. We have supported a significant number of delegates to be vaccinated ahead of travelling to Glasgow. We are confident that COP26 is best run as a physical in person event.”

UK, Italy promise support for ecological transition of developing countries

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At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change

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At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change

** Says Nigeria, Ethiopia have the largest stake in Africa’s future by keeping continent green

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on nations of the world to be decisive about combating climate change, saying it is a danger that must be arrested with practical actions.

According to him, while the global threat is not one that can be resolved in a conference room, it requires each country to respond to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens confronting them.

The Nigerian Vice President, who stated this on Friday during the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, said he was delighted to share in the joy of Ethiopia’s resolve to confront the threat posed by climate change “with clarity, courage, and conviction.”

The Ethiopian Green Legacy Programme, which is designed to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.

Senator Shettima, who is in the East African country for an official State visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, implored nations to enhance their climate plans by doubling their adaptation and mitigation efforts.

He said, “We have long accepted that climate change is not a problem to be solved in a conference room; it is a danger we must arrest with practical actions, with each nation rising to the occasion by responding to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens they face.

“Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is one such response. It is an inspiring blueprint to reimagine the future. The promise of GLI is the dream of every nation. It is a lesson in vision, in purpose, and in audacity. For those of us who have followed this programme, the numbers are staggering, but the impact is even more compelling.

“To plant 20 billion seedlings within four years, to establish over 20,000 nurseries, and to create hundreds of thousands of green jobs is to show that the future is something we must plant, nurture, and build.”

VP Shettima noted that he was not in Ethiopia to only share in the country’s joy and exchange ideas but to also convey what he described as the deep and abiding solidarity of his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Nigeria.

Applauding those who made the Green Legacy Initiative a reality, he assured Ethiopia of Nigeria’s unflinching support, adding that both countries have the largest stake in Africa’s future.

“Ethiopia and Nigeria are the two most populous countries in Africa. This distinction is not just statistical; it is existential. It means we have the largest stake in Africa’s future. It means that more of our people are exposed to the peril of climate change, and it also means that we face the highest cost of inaction.

“This is why we are not mere spectators in this fight. We are partners. We are participants. And we are prepared to play our part to keep Africa green,” the Vice President pledged, just as he said it is the promise Nigeria and other nations have been making at the Conferences of the Parties (COP) every year.

“It is the pledge we renewed at the last COP in Azerbaijan. And today, we gather not only to stand by this promise but to celebrate the path Ethiopia has illuminated for the world,” he added.

Senator Shettima thanked the government and people of Ethiopia for the warmth and generosity extended to him and other members of the Nigerian delegation.

He said they felt at home, “not just because of the hospitality shown to them, but because the launch of the Green Legacy Programme resonates with the aspirations “to leave behind a planet fit for the dreams of generations to come.

In his address at the event, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African countries to make the Green Legacy a culture, adding that Ethiopia was proud of Nigeria and its bold move to embrace the green initiative.

The Prime Minister called for partnership across African countries, stating that it was time to place less emphasis on foreign aid and begin to focus more on indigenous and home-grown domestic ideas and visions.

“This year’s Green Legacy is to rise by planting, and it is in consonance with our plan to shock the world with our Green Legacy vision. We never received any aid when we set out to achieve our 20 billion tree planting initiative.

“We thank Nigeria for supporting and accepting this initiative. With its population and growing economy, we are sure that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as exemplified by the esteemed presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, will go a long way in raising the awareness and collaborative effort needed amongst African countries,” the Prime Minister said.

He further expressed optimism that with Ethiopia’s hosting of the forthcoming United Nations summit on Climate Change, the stage is set for all hands to be on deck to achieve one of Ethiopia’s biggest green revolution plans.

Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima was guided through Ethiopia’s Unity Park, Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, which showcase Ethiopia’s historic and transformative trajectory.

At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change

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VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch

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VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the venue for the official launch of Ethiopia’s flagship Green Legacy Programme in Addis Ababa.

The project is part of Nigeria’s commitment to regional and continental collaboration on climate action and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, food security, and green economic growth.

VP Shettima is in the company of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.

The Vice President, who is on an official state visit to Ethiopia, will participate in the launch ceremony of the environmental initiative aimed at combating deforestation and mitigating climate change effects.

The Green Legacy Programme targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period to enhance biodiversity and address environmental challenges across Ethiopia.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s existing endeavours in afforestation and reforestation, such as the Great Green Wall project, which focuses on restoring damaged environments, combating desertification, and fostering climate resilience throughout the Sahel region.

VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch

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VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit

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VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for an official State visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali.

He was received at the airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Dr. Gedion Timothewos and other members of the Ethiopian and Nigerian diplomatic corps.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima will participate in the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme, a flagship environmental initiative.

The programme designed to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.

In line with strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and industrial development, the Vice President will also embark on a strategic tour of key industrial zones and integrated agricultural facilities across selected regions of Ethiopia.

VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit

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