SustyVibes and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have canvassed the need for collaborative efforts among the media and Civil Society Organisations to enhance and promote climate advocacy across the world.

This was the submission of climate experts and media stakeholders during a pre-29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP29) Stakeholders Hangout held in Abuja.

The event, which brought together over 50 journalists, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), climate advocates and experts, provided an opportunity for them to strategize Nigeria’s priorities and narrative and set a unified agenda for COP29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in December.

Speaking during the discourse, Director of Partnership and Development, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Amara Nwankpa, emphasised the need for stakeholders to invest efforts or energy in energy transition as this remains the sure path to making the climate a bit sustainable.

According to Nwankpa, “Nigeria’s path forward in the global climate conversation will depend on our ability to make incremental shifts towards renewable energy. She said stakeholders must see the upcoming COP29 as an opportunity to present a cohesive national plan.

Speaking during the session, Project Manager at SustyVibes, Hannah Omokhaye, highlighted the critical importance of partnerships in promoting advocacy on climate action

According to Omokhaye, for climate action to have a real impact, the media and CSOs need to work closely to amplify voices and ensure accountability. She said advocacy campaigns for climate action can only be successful if the media and civil society collaborate.

Lending his voice, Project Manager, CJID, Nicholas Adeniyi, urged journalists to pay adequate attention to Nigeria’s climate commitments.

“It is crucial that we use innovative storytelling to engage the public. The more people understand the urgency of climate change, the more pressure there will be on our leaders to follow through on their promises,” Adeniyi stressed.

Also speaking, Senior Analyst, Gatefield, Maryam Ahmad, reinforced the necessity of maintaining momentum, stating that “the networks established must continue beyond the gathering.

“Together, we can drive the climate action Nigeria desperately needs”, encouraging sustained collaboration among all attendees in the lead-up to COP29,” Ahmad said.

Participants left the event energised committed to using their platforms and expertise to ensure Nigeria’s climate agenda is well-represented and impactful on the global stage.