Lagos State Government (LASG) has reiterated her commitment to support the “Arts for Climate Change” initiative through development of Climate Solutions towards the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
On its drive to sustainability and environmental responsibility, the State Government has declared engagement moves including Solution 17 and PremiumTrust Bank in a bid to build partnership contribute to the dialogue on climate change through the medium of Art.
It would be recalled that the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji, recently launched the “Art for Climate Change” Project.
He disclosed that artists from Lagos would collaborate with Tech Innovators, Experts in relevant fields, students from New York University, Abu Dhabi and the Universities Climate Network United Arab Emirates (UAE), to co-create innovative solutions to problems around key thematic areas relevant to COP28, which will be depicted in ART.
This Co-creation with Climate Artists, Technologists, Innovators, Communicators, and Poets will be held from September 8 at the Art Novation hub hosted by PremiumTrust Bank to promote COP28 UAE.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, PremiumTrust Bank, Mr Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) expressed his belief that supporting this effort in various strategic approach targeting young creative minds will go a long way in providing answers to Climate challenges
According to him, “We believe that addressing climate change requires a multi-dimensional approach, and art is a compelling tool to engage hearts and minds on this critical issue by supporting the Arts for Climate Change at COP28.
“It aims to underline our commitment to a sustainable future and stimulate a meaningful conversation around climate change.”
Emefienim underscores the role of the bank as a responsible corporate citizen and a leader in promoting environmental sustainability, youth, and entrepreneurship development by supporting COP28’s Arts for Climate Change initiative.
He noted that, “The project’s Dialogue Series will be held at the New York University Abu Dhabi in November and the global Exhibition during COP28. Attendees and the global community to visit the exhibition, engage with the Art, and join the collective effort to combat climate change as encouraged by The Bank.”
The Art for Climate Change project is an offshoot of the “Vision of the Child (VoTC)” in partnership with the Lagos State Government and led by renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, who mentored thousands of young artists, and poets between the ages of 8 and 12 from 2012 to 2019.
Four (4) of the award-winning VoTC artists will depict tech-driven climate action solutions that communicate the urgency of climate action on 17 canvases in Lagos and New York University, Abu Dhabi.
COP28 is slated to be one of the most pivotal events in the global climate agenda; it provides an exceptional platform for leaders, innovators, and advocates to come together as the Bank recognizes that Art can transcend language and culture, making it an influential vehicle for raising awareness and inspiring action on climate change.
COP28 UAE will begin at the Expo City Dubai on November 30, 2023. The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.
