The new President of GLOBE International, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has assured that Nigeria and the rest of Africa will continue to participate actively in international protocols and partnerships aimed at mitigating climate change, promoting environmental sustainability, and advancing energy transition.
Onuigbo gave the assurance in his acceptance speech after his inauguration as President of GLOBE International during the organisation’s 35th anniversary celebration, held at the Churchill Room, House of Commons, Parliament of the United Kingdom, London, on June 24, 2026.
The former Nigerian lawmaker, who became the first African to lead the global legislators’ organisation, said GLOBE had played a pivotal role in guiding parliamentarians worldwide in developing frameworks and legislation for climate action.
He said: “We must commend the organisation for 35 years of dedicated efforts, which have seen it evolve from convening legislators on a cross-party basis to becoming the focal point of the UNFCCC Parliamentary Group, bringing together parliamentary networks across the world to work collaboratively.
“Under this mandate, GLOBE hosted the first Parliamentary Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai, repeated the feat at COP29 in Baku, and is on course to do so again at COP31 in Antalya. These pavilions provide a platform for legislators to exchange ideas, showcase achievements, and gain insights from experts across the climate action ecosystem.”
Onuigbo commended parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific for their contributions to advancing climate action globally.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s involvement in GLOBE, Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, 2021, praised former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, for introducing the organisation to Nigeria and supporting its expansion across Africa.
“As we enter a new era, it is my firm commitment that we will continue to build on the ideals and vision of this great organisation. We will strengthen parliamentary efforts to advance climate action globally.
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“In line with the theme of today’s event, ‘Building Political Resilience and Public Consensus for Climate Action at a Time of Severe Domestic and Geopolitical Challenges,’ I will work closely with the Board, staff, and our partners to address these challenges without delay,” he said.
The new GLOBE President outlined his priorities, including promoting green investments, expanding climate initiatives, strengthening parliamentary engagement, and enhancing climate education.
“We will collaborate with stakeholders to promote green investments and climate initiatives globally. Our focus will be on targeted training programmes, strategic advocacy, and increased parliamentary involvement.
“GLOBE will enhance opportunities for knowledge-sharing, capacity development, and peer learning while strengthening collaboration with governments, development agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector. Our goal is to ensure that climate action discussions at international forums translate into tangible benefits for communities around the world,” he said.
On climate education, Onuigbo said GLOBE would advocate the integration of climate literacy and sustainability studies into educational curricula globally.
“The future of climate action depends on the knowledge, awareness, and leadership of the next generation. Through GLOBE’s programmes and partnerships, we will advocate the mainstreaming of climate education globally, helping to build a generation that is informed, innovative, and prepared to lead the transition to a sustainable future,” he said.
He noted that the organisation would expand initiatives such as the Student-MP Climate Surgery programme, which was implemented in Nigeria in 2022, and support parliamentarians through peer-learning and capacity-building programmes.
According to him, climate change remains one of the defining challenges of the modern era and requires informed legislators capable of driving robust policies, enacting progressive legislation, ensuring adequate funding, and mobilising public support.
While describing the outlined initiatives as only the beginning of his administration’s agenda, Onuigbo said further programmes would be unveiled as consultations continue.
Quoting GLOBE’s 2023 slogan, “Parliaments Make COPs Count,” he stressed the importance of legislative institutions in achieving meaningful climate action.
“There will be no headway in climate action without parliaments. We call on legislators, governments, development banks, donor agencies, academics, and young people to support parliamentary engagement because, without parliaments, we cannot achieve our climate goals,” he said.
The event formed part of activities marking the London Climate Action Week. It also coincided with the ongoing Nigeria Climate Investment Summit (NCIS), where Nigeria is showcasing opportunities in carbon markets and energy transition investments.
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