By Abbas Nazil
The Osun State Government will host three side events at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 14, showcasing its initiatives in climate education, renewable energy access and green investment.
The events, scheduled to take place at the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) Pavilion, will highlight the state’s efforts to connect community-based climate interventions with broader sustainable development and investment opportunities.
According to the state government, the activities will demonstrate how local climate initiatives can support environmental resilience, inclusive economic growth and improved livelihoods.
The events will be coordinated by the Office of the Director-General and Special Envoy on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke and the coordination of Prof. Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe.
The government said the programme builds on existing interventions, including the Imole Solar Lantern Campaign, which has distributed more than 10,000 solar lanterns to students and rural communities.
Other initiatives include circular economy programmes supporting hundreds of green small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside the development of a Climate Action Plan and a Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio.
The first event, titled “From Knowledge to Action: Educating the Next Generation for a Circular, Renewable and Climate-Resilient Future,” will hold from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Antalya local time.
It will feature the launch of a documentary and an accompanying educational publication showcasing how climate education is being incorporated into schools and communities across Osun State.
The session will examine efforts to equip young people with the knowledge and practical skills required to participate in the transition towards a circular economy, renewable energy and climate-resilient development.
The second event, a Climate-Smart Investment Roundtable, will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
With the theme, “From Local Climate Action to Investable Development: Osun State’s Pathway to a Resilient and Inclusive Green Economy,” the roundtable will bring together policymakers, development partners, financiers and practitioners.
Discussions will focus on how the state can translate its activities in renewable energy, circular economy development and community resilience into bankable projects capable of attracting climate-smart investment.
The third programme, titled “Lighting Lives, Powering Opportunity: The Imole Solar Lantern Campaign and Inclusive Energy Access,” is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
It will feature a photographic exhibition and dialogue highlighting the reported impact of the solar lantern initiative on students, women traders and rural market communities.
The presentation will focus on how access to affordable clean lighting can support education, economic activities, reduce dependence on kerosene and expand energy access among underserved populations.
All three events will take place at the WGEO Pavilion, located behind the Nigerian Pavilion and directly opposite the Estonia Pavilion.
The state government said the activities are intended to demonstrate the role subnational governments can play in advancing climate action through education, clean energy programmes, community participation and investment partnerships.
COP31 is taking place in Antalya from November 9 to 20, bringing together governments and other stakeholders to discuss international climate action.
Delegates, development partners and media representatives have been invited to attend the Osun State events and engage with the state’s climate initiatives.
