By Abbas Nazil
Stakeholders at the Gender-Inclusive Climate Change Governance (GENCGOV) International Conference 2026 have called for stronger accountability, inclusive participation, and evidence-based approaches in addressing climate change challenges.
The call was made at the end of the two-day conference held in Abuja, where policymakers, academics, development experts, civil society organisations, youth groups, and community representatives discussed strategies for improving climate governance in Nigeria and beyond.
The conference, hosted at the Federal Ministry of Education, was themed “Governing Climate in an Age of Retreat, Risk and Geopolitical Re-alignment.”
Participants examined emerging challenges affecting climate governance and explored ways to promote climate justice, strengthen resilience, and develop policies that reflect the realities of vulnerable communities.
The event was convened by Pedi Obani, who emphasised the importance of developing climate policies based on local experiences and supported by cooperation among government institutions, researchers, communities, and development partners.
Speaking at the conference, Yusuf O. Kelani described climate change as an urgent challenge affecting livelihoods and social stability through increased flooding, desertification, food insecurity, and widening inequality.
Kelani stressed that women, young people, and vulnerable groups should not only be viewed as victims of climate change but should be actively involved in designing and implementing climate policies.
He also presented findings from a national household survey conducted in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics, highlighting the importance of gender-sensitive data in understanding climate vulnerability and developing effective interventions.
The conference also featured discussions on climate finance, transparency, institutional responsibility, media engagement, and the role of indigenous knowledge in improving climate action.
Participants noted that access to reliable data and accountability mechanisms remained critical to ensuring that climate policies deliver meaningful benefits to affected populations.
More than 30 research papers were presented during the conference, covering areas such as energy transition, climate displacement, and strategies for achieving a more sustainable future.
Community-based climate justice initiatives received grants and recognitions aimed at supporting grassroots efforts to address environmental challenges.
International experts, including Joyeeta Gupta and Patricia Mbote, contributed global perspectives on climate governance and the need for stronger cooperation among nations.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants called for continued collaboration between governments, development organisations, academic institutions, and local communities.
They emphasised that achieving effective climate governance requires moving beyond discussions and translating commitments into practical actions that are inclusive, transparent, and capable of protecting vulnerable populations from the growing impacts of climate change.
