Lagos State Government on Thursday unveiled a new initiative on its vision to create a resilient and sustainable approach towards realisation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Specifically, the state’s Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDG), launched Lagos Sustainability Summit, a yearly multidisciplinary forum designed to advance strategies and create actionable pathways to build a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous Lagos.
The maiden summit with the theme ‘Building a Resilient and Sustainable Lagos’, which is scheduled to hold in the second week of September this year, is being organised in collaboration with Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
In addition, the summit is expected to chart a course for Lagos to emerge as a model for sustainable urban development anchored on social equity, economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
Addressing journalists at a pre-event conference, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, said the summit would bring fresh impetus to the state government’s current efforts to reposition Lagos as a resilient and sustainable city.
According to her, through the initiative the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals will be promoting ethical business practices that must have positive social impact, adding that any effort aimed at achieving economic growth in the state must align with moral and social responsibilities.
Finnih explained that the Lagos Sustainability Summit would serve as a call to action and a roadmap guiding the state government’s efforts to forge a prosperous, equitable and environmentally sustainable city where citizens would have the opportunity to succeed.
She said: “As we stand at the forefront of a transformative journey, Lagos is launching a Sustainability Summit that stands as a testament to our collective resolve. The summit will focus on key areas that will demonstrate the Government’s commitment to sustainability, showcasing strategic initiatives and policies that reflect our dedication to sustainable development. Through the event, we will be fostering social cohesion by ensuring equitable participation of communities in sustainability efforts.
“We will be promoting ethical business practices that will enable positive social impacts, fair labour standards and community engagement initiatives that drive positive social impacts. The summit will enhance sustainable finance, while encouraging investments in projects that support the SDGs and integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria into financial decision-making. We seek to build resilient networks that support responsible waste management and local sourcing. and ethical labor practices.
“The summit is not just about dialogues but about taking decisive actions that will shape the future of our city. This effort is not just for us, but for the children who will inherit this city and who will look to us, not just as leaders, but as guardians of their future. We would be worthy of their trust if we build a Lagos that is resilient, sustainable and above all, a city that is filled with hope”, the governor’s aide added.
She maintained that human communities now stood at crossroads given the shift in global dynamics, impacts of climate change and technological advancement, adding that this challenge has been making cities to be devising innovative ways to make their communities thrive in emerging competitive environments.
Finnih said Lagos was faced with no choice than to respond to the emerging developments in order not to be overwhelmed by global changes, by creating a platform for innovation, adaptation and actions.
