Nigeria has pledged to deepen its role in global sustainability efforts, with the newly inaugurated President of the Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE International), Sam Onuigbo, promising stronger legislative action to address climate change, promote environmental protection and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems.
Speaking during his inauguration at GLOBE International’s 35th anniversary ceremony held at the Churchill Room of the UK Parliament’s House of Commons in London, Onuigbo said his leadership would focus on ensuring that global climate commitments translate into practical sustainability outcomes for communities.
The former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, who becomes the first African to lead the international organisation, described sustainability as a shared responsibility requiring stronger cooperation among governments, lawmakers, private sector actors, development institutions and communities.
He noted that GLOBE International has played a significant role over the past 35 years in shaping parliamentary responses to environmental challenges by providing a platform for legislators across regions and political divides to collaborate on climate and sustainability solutions.
According to him, the organisation has grown into the focal point of the Parliamentary Group of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), supporting lawmakers in advancing environmental policies and strengthening global climate governance.
Onuigbo highlighted GLOBE’s efforts in creating platforms for parliamentary engagement at global climate conferences, including the first Parliamentary Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai and its continuation at COP29 in Baku, with plans for another edition at COP31 in Antalya. He said these initiatives have helped lawmakers exchange knowledge, promote climate innovations and advance sustainable development strategies.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s involvement with GLOBE, Onuigbo acknowledged the role of former Senate President Bukola Saraki in introducing and expanding the organisation’s activities in Nigeria and across Africa.
He pledged to build on the organisation’s achievements by promoting green investments, strengthening climate initiatives and expanding partnerships that support sustainable development.
“We will continue to build on the ideals and visions of this great organisation. We will build to support parliamentary efforts to progress climate action globally,” he said.
A major focus of Onuigbo’s leadership agenda is strengthening sustainability education and climate literacy. He stressed that preparing future generations with environmental knowledge and skills is essential to addressing emerging climate challenges.
He said GLOBE would continue to advocate for the integration of climate education into school curricula globally while expanding initiatives such as the Student-MP Climate Surgery programme, which he previously supervised in Nigeria in 2022.
The GLOBE president also emphasised the need for stronger parliamentary capacity to develop effective environmental policies, provide oversight and secure funding for sustainability programmes.
“Climate change remains one of the defining challenges of our time, and effective responses require informed and empowered legislators who can champion robust policies, enact progressive legislation, provide oversight and mobilise public support,” he said.
Onuigbo called on governments, development banks, donor organisations, academics, youth groups and private sector stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with parliaments in advancing sustainability goals.
His inauguration was part of activities marking the London Climate Action Week, which also featured the Nigeria Climate Investment Summit (NCIS), where Nigeria is showcasing opportunities in carbon markets, renewable energy and energy transition investments.
Through his new role, Onuigbo said Nigeria and Africa would continue to advocate for sustainable solutions that balance economic development, environmental protection and climate resilience.
