North-West Commissioners Summit
Northwest Commissioners Summit on Climate Change: Paving the Path to a Resilient Future
Kano, Nigeria – February 29, 2024.
In a groundbreaking youth-led engagement, the Youth Climate Collective (YCC) played a central role in the Northwest Commissioners Summit on Climate Change, held in Kano. The summit, which brought together key decision-makers from the seven Northwest states, reflected a growing recognition of youth leadership in shaping the region's climate future.
The gathering built upon the momentum of the YCC’s Climate Manifesto, an 11-point agenda addressing critical pillars such as agriculture, energy access, adaptation, and climate governance. Youth delegates, alongside state commissioners and environmental stakeholders, engaged in collaborative dialogue to address the region’s urgent climate challenges, including desertification, flooding, and rising temperatures. These impacts continue to exacerbate insecurity, displacement, and public health threats.
The summit served not only as a policy platform but also as a space to elevate the voices of young climate leaders advocating for inclusive, resilient, and low-carbon development. It affirmed a shared commitment between youth and policymakers to co-create solutions that prioritize sustainability and intergenerational justice.
Key Objectives of the Summit
The summit focused on several critical objectives:
1. Dialogue and Strategy Exchange: Providing a platform for Commissioners and House Committee Chairmen to share insights and best practices tailored to their respective states' unique scenarios and climates.
2. Enhancing Resilience Development: Discussions emphasized strategies to bolster community and ecological resilience against climate impacts, specifically targeting climate security, agriculture, food security, and climate-induced migration.
3. Development of State Action Plans: A significant outcome of the summit was the agreement to collaboratively develop State Action Plans on Climate Change, ensuring localised responses to environmental challenges.
4. Promoting Sustainable and Equitable Development: Participants included calls for embracing development practices combining economic, social, and environmental considerations, ensuring the needs of present and future generations are met.
Concrete Actions and Initiatives
The summit yielded a robust set of action items that will steer the region’s climate initiatives:
1. Conservation of Biodiversity: Participants committed to protecting natural resources and ecosystems through the establishment of conservation areas and sustainable land-use practices.
2. Collaboration and Partnerships: Building networks among governmental bodies, NGOs, private enterprises, and local communities to foster a multi-sectoral approach to climate change.
3. Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing transparent systems to track progress on climate initiatives and adaptation funds to ensure accountability and transparency.
4. Adaptation Finance: The development of a State Climate Fund was proposed to support projects aimed at aiding vulnerable communities in adapting to climate challenges.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging investment in sustainable projects that uplift local economies while protecting the environment.
6. Education and Awareness: Initiatives promoting environmental sustainability through education aimed at fostering a culture of conservation and climate action.
A Collective Commitment to Action
As the summit concluded, participants echoed their commitment to not only addressing current climate challenges but also investing in a sustainable future for Northwest Nigeria. The Kano Declaration on Climate Change and Environment serves as a foundational document affirming their resolve to combat climate change through collaborative action and shared responsibility.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Northwest region, setting a precedent for ongoing dialogue and partnership at the state and regional levels. The collaborative efforts initiated during this summit are anticipated to yield long-term benefits, creating a resilient framework to protect communities, preserve ecosystems, and ensure a secure future amidst a changing climate.
As stakeholders move forward, their united stance against climate change is a call to action not only for local implementation but also for broader engagement with international partners, signalling a regional commitment to global climate goals. With innovative solutions and unwavering dedication, the Northwest states aspire to rise as leaders in climate resilience and sustainable development, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier environment.