Guest Columnist: Zainab Shamsuna Ahmad
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this second anniversary lecture and presentation of the unique hero of Environment Actions for Development (HEAD) Awards ceremony put together by NatureNews to centre on major topical issue at the recently concluded 27th session of Conference of Parties (COP) in Sham EL-Sheikh, Egypt.
I am aware that NatureNews is one of Africa’s digital newspaper on environment and climate change which made its debut on 1st October, 2020 earning itself an international recognition within 2 years having worked with eminent personalities from across Africa and beyond serving who served in its advisory board.
I am delighted to be associated with several milestone achievements of NatureNews, particularly with respect to supporting national advocacy for implementation of agreed global solution on environmental challenges in collaboration with stakeholders in the environment specialization. This will no doubt bring together professional groups in the sector to articulate their concerns and network with relevant Government Institutions such as ours.
Today’s event offers opportunities for all actors and solution providers to amplify innovations that will make the earth a living environment and set global agenda on germane issues towards the attainment of a safer world.
This Lecture Series/Award Ceremony will no doubt expose participants to the lessons learnt from the recently concluded 27thConference of Parties on Climate Change particularly as they relate to integrating environmental and other sustainability considerations into public and private decisions, by providing policy makers with the necessary approaches and strategies towards optimizing growth and development of our economy.
The Ministry of Finance Budget and National Planning on its part, will continue to collaborate with the private sector and reputable media organisations towards ensuring that the implementable lessons learnt from COP 27 are effectively coordinated, and implemented in accordance with mandates of various stakeholders of environment for economic growth and environmental sustainability
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, it is my hope that this lecture series and awards ceremony will be very robust and yield the desired outcomes. On this note, I welcome you all.
*Being the keynote address delivered by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmad, who was represented by a deputy director in the ministry, Zainab Maisagi, at the second anniversary lecture and HERO Awards ceremony of NatureNews.