A quick summary of our past events
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Mobilizing Finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Significance of Expanding Green Finance in Times of a Global Crisis
The 2023 Sustainability Table Discourse Series (STS), themed “Mobilizing Finance for the Sustainable Development Goals,” convened leaders to discuss the essential role of finance in advancing the UN SDGs amid global economic and environmental challenges. The event spotlighted sustainable finance as a driver for economic growth and climate action, underscoring the need to build a green finance ecosystem that unlocks new economic opportunities, job creation, and innovations in climate adaptation. The discussions aligned with the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, highlighting a potential $12 trillion economic opportunity and stressing sustainable growth as both environmentally responsible and economically beneficial.
The keynote address on “From Sustainability to Prosperity: Mobilizing Finance for the SDGs” addressed the $2.5 trillion annual funding gap in developing countries, exploring solutions such as improved tax systems, stronger partnerships, and expanded Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Discussions also encouraged private sector investments in green and social impact bonds to drive SDG progress.
The panel session titled “Leveraging Financing Options to Accelerate SDG Progress” explored strategies like patient capital, local currency funding, and ESG-aligned finance from banks and insurers. Blended finance and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) were recognized for de-risking projects, making them more appealing to investors, while green bonds and Nigeria’s capital markets were highlighted as vehicles for SDG-aligned investments.
The series concluded with a call to leverage pension funds, promote federal policies for climate action, and create frameworks for private investment. By embracing innovative financial solutions and fostering a culture of sustainable development, STS 2023 laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s transition to a resilient, green economy, moving closer to the 2030 SDG targets.
Mobilizing Finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Significance of Expanding Green Finance in Times of a Global Crisis
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR): Opportunities for Growth in a Circular Economy
STS 2022 focused on the transformative role of technology and digital infrastructure in driving sustainable development and circular economy principles. The event highlighted the immense potential of broadband and digital technology to bridge the digital divide and accelerate economic growth across Nigeria, Africa, and globally.
Key discussions stressed the need for digital skills development, robust infrastructure, and regulatory support to enable broader participation in the digital economy. Stakeholders emphasized initiatives for digital literacy, particularly through partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and the private sector, aiming to equip individuals with skills to thrive in the 4IR landscape.
Panel discussions explored the importance of expanding broadband coverage, especially in underserved regions, with investment in infrastructure such as fiber optics, mobile broadband, and satellite connectivity. Public-private partnerships were seen as essential to drive these initiatives, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable digital infrastructure.
Closing thoughts from the discourse emphasized broadband technology as a powerful enabler for economic inclusion, access to essential services, and entrepreneurial innovation. Discussions concluded that adopting supportive finance and regulatory policies, such as digital economy reforms, critical infrastructure protections, and rural connectivity concessions, can unlock the full potential of broadband for sustainable growth.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR): Opportunities for Growth in a Circular Economy
New Pathways to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in a Circular Economy.
The event focused on strategies for sustainable job creation and waste management within a circular economy framework. This year’s discussions emphasized the importance of aligning Nigeria’s economic growth with sustainability practices that foster environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and long-term prosperity. The event featured two central panel discussions, each exploring a critical aspect of the circular economy’s role in sustainable development.
The first panel, “Sustainable Job Creation for Economic Prosperity in a Circular Economy,” examined how circular economy practices can drive economic growth through job creation. Panelists discussed the importance of skill development, policy incentives, and private-sector involvement to create stable and meaningful employment opportunities that align with sustainability goals.
The second panel, “Effective Waste Management and Pollution Control in a Circular Economy,” tackled the pressing need for responsible waste management solutions. The discussion emphasized the role of government regulations, private-sector partnerships, and community engagement in transforming waste management into an economic asset rather than an environmental burden.
Throughout the event, panelists drew from their diverse backgrounds, sharing practical insights and stressing the urgency of adopting circular economy principles to address Nigeria’s environmental and economic challenges. The thought-provoking discourse resonated with attendees, who expressed appreciation for the depth and relevance of the discussions.
New Pathways to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in a Circular Economy.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Leveraging Technology and Optimal Broadband Penetration to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
With a view of achieving the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 17 SDGs, 102 targets and 200 indicators, there is a burning need to leverage on technology as a strategic tool and accelerator, for collaboration, leapfrogging and establishing connections.
STS 2020 convened policymakers, corporate leaders, and development experts to explore how digital technology can propel Nigeria’s socioeconomic growth and aid in meeting the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Emphasizing technology’s role in advancing the SDGs, the event highlighted broadband penetration as vital for unlocking economic opportunities, especially in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. With Nigeria’s broadband penetration at 43.3% in 2020, the digital divide remains a major barrier to sustainable growth. Discussions centered on public-private partnerships to expand broadband access, optimize existing infrastructure, and align with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgency of closing digital gaps, particularly for continuity in education and healthcare. The discourse called for proactive private-sector engagement in infrastructure investment, digital literacy, and skill-building to foster a digitally inclusive society.
A key outcome was the recommendation to reduce provider costs and designate telecommunications as critical national infrastructure, aiming for 70% broadband penetration by 2025. This move, coupled with reskilling programs to adapt to automation’s impact on jobs, was seen as essential for workforce readiness in a digital future. The series concluded with actionable steps to ensure universal broadband access, promote digital literacy, and implement policy reforms to position broadband as a national asset. By enhancing digital inclusion and aligning strategies with SDG goals, Nigeria can harness the digital economy for sustainable growth, supporting progress across all 17 SDGs.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Leveraging Technology and Optimal Broadband Penetration to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
The Future of Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Achieving Economic Growth with Low Carbon Trajectory in a Circular Economy
STS 2019 hosted insightful discussions on sustainability, climate change, and economic growth in Nigeria. A key panel on Food Security and Climate Change examined how climate change affects Nigeria’s food supply, emphasizing sustainable farming practices to protect food security.
The Climate Financing panel explored funding models for sustainable projects, particularly renewable energy solutions, to address energy poverty in low-income communities.
The Gender Equality panel highlighted the importance of empowering women in sustainable development as essential for tackling climate challenges. A Fireside Chat on “Green is the New Black” discussed the role of sustainable practices in the fashion industry, advocating for ethical production and consumption.
Overall, STS 2019 offered a robust platform for exploring the integration of sustainability, climate action, and economic growth.
The Future of Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Achieving Economic Growth with Low Carbon Trajectory in a Circular Economy
The Future of Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Opportunities for Growth in a Green Economy
The event focused on strategies for advancing economic growth through sustainability, particularly in waste management and the green economy. A panel on Effective Waste Management discussed how waste could be transformed into wealth, positioning waste management as an essential driver of Nigeria’s GDP and a foundation for a green economy. Another panel on the Green Economy emphasized public education on the long-term benefits of sustainable practices as vital for Nigeria’s development.
In his keynote, Professor Aliyu Jauro, Director General of NESREA, highlighted the Green Economy as crucial for Nigeria’s sustainable growth, stressing the role of awareness and education in green initiatives. A panel on Corporate Governance and Ethical Leadership underscored the importance of strong leadership in promoting sustainable practices through ethical governance.
Overall, STS 2018 fostered dialogue on incorporating sustainability into Nigeria’s growth strategy, focusing on waste management, green economy principles, and the role of ethical leadership.
The Future of Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Opportunities for Growth in a Green Economy
Past Speakers
