Experts To Discuss Challenges, Opportunities For SDGs At Climate Conference

The annual Sustainability Table Series (STS), in its 8th edition, will convene Africa’s most influential leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and sustainability experts on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at The Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

This year’s STS will address several policy-related issues crucial to sustainable development, including advocating for fiscal policies that encourage businesses to adopt circular economy principles, promoting policies to strengthen the cultural and creative industries as economic growth drivers, advocating for sustainable infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and waste management systems. It will also address gaps in social safety nets to ensure equitable access to resources and promote inclusive policy-making that involves a range of stakeholders, including community organisations and businesses.

This year’s theme, “Navigating Challenges, Leveraging Opportunities in a Reforming Economy to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” underscores the urgent need for collaborative solutions to address Africa’s unique sustainability challenges while creating pathways for sustainable economic growth decarbonisation, and climate resilience.

Organised by Avant-garde Sustainability Foundation, STS 2024 will bring together prominent voices to discuss practical approaches to achieving the UN’s SDGs. The series has become a leading platform for fostering cross-sector partnerships and driving impactful initiatives addressing sustainable development’s social, environmental, and economic dimensions.

Expected at this year’s event are Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State; Frank Eggmann, Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos; Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals; Mr Mohamad Darwish, Chief Executive Officer of IHS (Nigeria) Limited; and Dr Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum. Joining them are Ms Etemore Glover, CEO of Impact Investors Foundation; Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Senatorial District and Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment; and Ms Ayaan Adam, Senior Director at Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) & CEO of AFC’s wholly owned subsidiary, AFC Capital Partners.

This year’s convener, Temilade Denton, commented, “As we face the intersecting challenges of economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental preservation, we need both a bold approach and a set of decisive action to chart a sustainable future”.

STS 2024 offers a unique opportunity for changemakers from all sectors to come together, share knowledge, and create solutions that drive progress and safeguard the future of our communities and our planet, commented Principal Consultant, Avant-garde Innovation and Technology Services Limited.

This year’s STS will feature several exciting additions, including launching the 2023 Sustainability Table Discourse Series Monograph titled “Mobilizing Finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Significance of Expanding Green Finance in Times of a Global Crisis.” This monograph captures insights, best practices, and actionable strategies discussed in previous Sustainability Table Discourse Series sessions. It delves into the critical role of green finance in achieving the SDGs, particularly in the context of global economic uncertainties. The monograph is valuable for stakeholders, policymakers, and organisations committed to advancing sustainable development by exploring innovative financing mechanisms, case studies, and policy recommendations.

The event will also feature a Pitch Competition, which aims to empower young innovators with funding, mentorship, and incubation support to develop solutions for environmental sustainability.

The series will feature various strategic focus areas, each providing a comprehensive view of sustainability challenges and solutions. This year’s discussions will centre on critical themes driving sustainable progress across industries and societies.

Topics include sustainable economic development, which focuses on strategies for inclusive growth that foster resilience and adaptability in today’s evolving global economy. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation will highlight localised strategies to address pressing climate action needs, while Digital Transformation for Sustainability explores how technology can enhance sustainable practices aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

The agenda also emphasises capacity building and education, underscoring the importance of knowledge-sharing and skill-building in empowering communities, which aligns with SDG 4 (quality education). Further discussions on the Integration of the Orange Economy will spotlight cultural and creative sectors as drivers of innovation, job creation, and sustainable urban growth.

In addition, Partnerships for Sustainable Development will focus on fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and international organisations to advance SDG efforts. Finally, Policy and Regulatory Frameworks will address the critical need for supportive policies that encourage sustainable practices, innovation, and investment aligned with the SDGs.

Participants can expect a dynamic networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing environment, with sessions focused on actionable outcomes to drive real change beyond the event. STS 2024 is committed to fostering a community of change-makers dedicated to reshaping industries, influencing policy, and driving sustainable development that is economically viable and environmentally responsible.