Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) is deeply saddened by the impacts of the COVID 19 (coronavirus) pandemic and we send our sympathies to all those who are suffering as a result.
We are also heartened by the many acts of kindness that have spanned our communities nationally and regionally in response. We particularly acknowledge the sacrifices made by health care workers and others ensuring other critical services remain available throughout the crisis.
The current situation strengthens our belief in the importance of health infrastructure and climate resilience to safeguard human wellbeing as well as the environment and economy upon which we depend.
The crisis also demonstrates our ability as a Nigerians to respond rapidly to imminent dangers, as we must also do to combat other unprecedented threats to our country men and women, such as climate change, accelerating biodiversity loss and growing national inequalities.
CSDevNet is committed to continue working closely with governments, private sector and other non-state actors to further strengthen national and regional frameworks for sustainable and resilient health infrastructure and to scale up the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions.
In collaboration with WelfareAid Initiatives, Nigerian Civil Society Framework for Paris Agreement and SDGS (NCSFPAS), and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), CSDevNet is currently providing solutions and leading the way by creating awareness on the COVID-19 and donating some hand washing facilities across Nigeria.
This is in line with our commitment to unifying and coordinating isolated civil society efforts on sustainable development in Nigeria in order to ensure people-centred response mechanisms are accorded desirable attention and relevance as climate resilience is increasingly mainstreamed into national poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies and actions.
Together, we can still change the course of this pandemic even if that means addressing fear and inaction. As we mourn all those who have lost their lives and the many families who are suffering, we must show solidarity with the most vulnerable – the elderly, the sick, those without reliable healthcare, and those on the edge of poverty.
Let’s overcome this common threat – together we can!
Signed
Dr Ibrahim Choji, mni
Chair, Board of Trustees
Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet)