Written by: Paul Gwumapan Joseph
The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), among other civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), participated in a special moderated roundtable convened by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in collaboration with the United Nations Resident Coordinators Office (UN RCO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This high-level advocacy event, held in UN House, Abuja, underscored the urgency of ambitious third-generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) as the world prepares for the 30th Conference of Parties (COP 30) to the UNFCCC in Belém, Brazil later this year.
The roundtable, attended by key stakeholders including the UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell and the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, spotlighted Nigeria as one of a select group of high-emission reduction impact countries targeted for accelerated climate action.
CSDevNet’s participation, alongside other CSOs and NGOs, reinforced the critical role of civil society in shaping Nigeria’s climate agenda and amplifying grassroots voices in the NDC process.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from the Resident Coordinator of the UN RCO, Mr. Mohamed M. Malick Fall, who expressed gratitude to CSOs for their attendance and commitment to advancing climate action.
This was followed by the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, who emphasized the indispensable role of CSOs in advocacy and grassroots mobilization.
“The role of CSOs is crucial to advocate for the cause and work reaching the people on the ground,” she stated, highlighting their contribution to translating global commitments into local impact.
The Director-General of the NCCC, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, echoed these sentiments, stressing the collaborative synergy between CSOs and government in driving the NDC process. “CSOs have been instrumental in pushing the will of both civil society and government toward meaningful climate action,” she noted, applauding their efforts in fostering accountability and innovation.
In his highlight remarks, the UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, underscored the enormous and integral role CSOs have played in the global fight against climate change.
“One of the key things is how we can create space for engagement and support the Director-General of the NCCC in developing the NDC,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the NDC 3.0 represents a transformative opportunity to address the stark challenges faced by climate-vulnerable countries like Nigeria.
“When I visit countries vulnerable to climate change, the challenges they face become stark and stark, but we have the opportunity to flip this in the new NDC 3.0,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to mainstream solutions into national plans, describing the NDC as “one of the most important documents that counts for generations.”
His call to action centered on deepening engagement through the NCCC to ensure Nigeria’s NDC reflects bold, inclusive, and forward-thinking commitments.
CSDevNet, among other CSOs and NGOs, participated actively in articulating key concerns and opportunities for Nigeria’s NDC 3.0.
They called for greater collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society while advocating for youth and gender inclusion in the NDC process.
They emphasized the need for inclusivity, transparency, and equity in the development process, urging stronger mechanisms to integrate community-level insights.
Opportunities highlighted included leveraging Nigeria’s vast renewable energy potential, enhancing climate-resilient agriculture, and scaling up disaster risk reduction initiatives.
CSOs also stressed the importance of securing adequate financing and technical support to transform ambitions into actionable outcomes.
The roundtable concluded with a clear roadmap for advancing Nigeria’s NDC 3.0. Insights from the event will inform global high-level advocacy efforts led by the UNFCCC, the UN Secretary-General, the Director General of NCCC and the COP 30 Host Nation throughout 2025.
The participation of CSDevNet, among other CSOs and NGOs, underscored their collective leadership in mobilizing civil society and ensuring Nigeria’s climate commitments reflect the needs of its people.