Post COP27 Dialogue: LG Electronics, Solution17 drive actualisation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

LG established a comprehensive framework for its sustainable practices at an event held in The Art Hotel, Lagos tagged Post COP27: Race to Net-Zero via Social, Environmental and Economic Sustainability in collaboration with Creative Youth Community Development Initiative for the actualization of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

The event highlights included the exhibition of 17 Art on Canvas showing climate adaptation and resilience, green economic recovery, and a global net-zero emission. The art depicts problems, effects and solutions to the climate crisis as it relates to limiting global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius, climate adaptation, climate finance, and partnerships to achieve the goals. In attendance were, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General in Lagos, Mr. Joe Kuzrich, Deputy Consul General - Consulate General of Italy in Lagos, Ms. Grazia Bellanova, among others.

In his Welcome Address, the Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General in Lagos, Mr. Joe Kuzrich said Africa contributes very little to global warming but is experiencing disproportionately high costs. It contributes around 3% to global warming, but it’s suffering much, much more than that.

“The United States and other developing and developed country partners, especially in Europe and Asia, are working to assist Africa in combating this plague of climate change. For example, we’ve set up an adaptation fund to create climate resilience among many African countries, and we have funded that with $1 billion recently. So, that will help countries fund clean energy solutions and adapt to some of the problems that climate change is creating, especially more extreme weather, floods, and droughts that we see across the continent and in other parts of the world”, he said.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale delivered his keynote speech virtually and said that there is also enormous climate cost; climate change already costs 100 billion per annum. That is a significant slice of GDP as it stands, and without proper climate action, the estimates suggest it will rise much more significantly in the future. So, it’s clear for the UN, as I’m sure for all of you, that if we are to realize or to support and play a role in realizing the development aspirations of the Nigerian people, the time is now for urgent climate action and accelerated efforts.

Speaking on the ESG programs of LG Electronics, Marketing Manager, LG Electronics West African Operations, Mr. Paul Mba said, LG's newly revealed sustainable vision aligns perfectly with the phrase, Better Life for All. While LG has consistently shown its commitment to providing a better lifestyle for customers through its innovative products and services, the catchphrase signifies yet another step forward for the company. Henceforth, LG is expanding the scope of its sustainable practices with six key ESG initiatives to create a better life for its customers, the environment, employees, suppliers, and one and all who call this planet home.

During the event, sustainability and climate change panelist spoke about the challenges hindering a circular society and to formulate strategies aimed at promoting climate and energy-related policies towards achieving a net zero greenhouse gas emissions society. The panelist include; Dr. Temilade Adeniyi - Group Head, Sustainability FMDQ Group PLC; Mr. Godson Ikiebey - PWC, Manager, Sustainability and Climate Change; Dr. Mories Atoki – CEO, ABC Health

The Founder of Creative Youth Community Development Initiative, Ms. Foluke Michaels gave in-depth analysis of how she and her organization has brought several innovations to climate change and what she intends doing in her capacity for sustainability development. She drew inspiration from Joe Biden, the President of United States of America during the 2021 Leaders’ summit on Climate in London and it made her launched Naija Climate in partnership with United Nations Information Centre for Nigeria in June, 2021 with a call to young people to design sustainable solutions to climate change adaptation in Nigeria. Since then, CYCDI has been partnering various like-minded organizations in pursuance of Climate solutions in the country.

To wrap up the event, the Digital Manager of LG Electronics, Ms. Doris Onwuagba engaged the audience with her presentation on DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH FROM WASTE TO WEALTH. She said waste is responsible for roughly 20% of global methane emissions from human activities, and dramatically scaling up efforts to reduce these emissions can also deliver important health and economic development benefits. From context observation, a waste problem exists in the country and is prevalent and could fuel health risk and further increase in the poor quality of the air and pollution in the country. It is only reasonable to imbibe proper management and control of wastes – organic, e-waste, health, industrial, agricultural and food, vehicle parts among others in the country. This should be seen as a priority and an avenue to create wealth, economic development and an improved environment.

It is imperative as a society and working economy to prevent waste and also encourage the reuse of materials and waste, which can, in turn create economic value. LG Electronics introduced “upcycle” turning package boxes into piece of furniture or arts. That means waste will be prevented by making and reusing materials more efficiently.