UN deputy secretary-general calls for renewed commitment, investment in SDGs
By Ibrahim Umar
Kanempress News
28th July 2024
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has called for renewed commitment and investment from private sector players to advance sustainable development, particularly in climate resilience and technological innovation.
Mohammed made this appeal at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024, organized by Sterling One, recently held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.
The summit aimed to catalyse dialogue and collaboration on sustainable development across Africa and commenced with an Investor Roundtable hosted by the Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Sterling One Foundation, Alitheia Capital, and ETK Group.
Dignitaries at the event included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and Commissioner Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, other industry leaders such as Abubakar Suleiman of Sterling Bank and Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of the Sterling One Foundation.
The summit featured panel discussions on Africa’s most pressing challenges such as education, healthcare investment, and climate action, focusing on innovative solutions and strategies for sustainable development.
Mohammed stated that: “Sustainable growth must include climate resilience, leveraging technology, and private sector innovations. Let us recommit ourselves to the 2030 agenda that is inclusive, impactful, and inspiring.”
The CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, emphasized the summit’s focus on partnerships, stating, “No single entity can tackle our multifaceted challenges alone. Partnerships are essential for harnessing diverse expertise and resources to drive impactful change.”
Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman highlighted the necessity of creating an enabling environment for social impact.
He advocated for continuous dialogue and community building beyond the summit.
Suleiman said: “Creating a market for social impact means ensuring there is information, trust, and efficient allocation of resources. I look forward to us signing deals and, beyond today, I encourage everyone to join a community that fosters year-long dialogue and action. Together, we will drive the conversations necessary for sustained impact.”
On his part, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat stated the critical role of the summit in driving sustainable development in Lagos and across Africa.
Hamzat detailed the Lagos State “THEMES PLUS” program, designed to foster growth and resilience across key sectors.
“ASIS 2024 must serve as a catalyst for collaboration and action towards sustainable development in Africa.
“Public-private partnerships are essential for attracting impactful investments, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, clean energy, and social enterprises.
The involvement of all stakeholders is crucial in developing effective and inclusive policies. Moreover, leveraging technology to create locally relevant solutions is key,” Hamzat remarked.
Nigerian Vice President, Kassim Shettima represented by Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole called for actionable solutions to Africa’s challenges.
Vice President Shettima stressed the need for a new economic model, saying, “It is time for action; we must move beyond rhetoric and focus on solutions with tangible impact. The old model of economic growth is unsustainable. Africa can lead the way in a new model that balances prosperity, the environment, and equity.”
Also speaking at the event, Commissioners of Health from various Nigerian states, highlighted the importance of coordinated action in healthcare.
CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr Tayo Aduloju emphasized the need to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results.
He noted, “While partnerships and civil societies are crucial, we need to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results. Other types of impact capital will be more effective where funding is generally inadequate.”
Commissioner of Health for Lagos State, Professor Akin Abayomi also stressed the role of education and moral leadership in society.
He stated: “To restructure society around leadership, three things come into play: Example, Education, and Environment. Leaders don’t just happen; they are made through education and training.
