Senator From Kaduna Calls For Action On Climate Change Challenges

Senator From Kaduna Calls For Action On Climate Change Challenges

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South at the National Assembly, has emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to tackle climate change challenges facing Africa and the Caribbean. He pointed out that both regions confront common issues, including climate change, poverty, inequality, and social injustice…….CONTINUE READING 

The senator made these remarks during his speech at the International Forum of African-Caribbean Leadership (IFA) held in New York, coinciding with the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79).

Katung stated, “These challenges require a collective call to action that goes beyond mere rhetoric. Many African and Caribbean nations are at risk of failing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, highlighting the urgency to rally around Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.”

He advocated for a multi-stakeholder approach to effectively combat multidimensional poverty, environmental degradation, and to foster sustainable development and resilient societies. “We must embrace a paradigm shift in which parliament plays a vital role in moving from traditional representative democracy to a more inclusive, participatory, accountable, and responsive democracy,” Katung added.

He acknowledged the shortcomings of the current system, saying, “The demand for participatory democracy is rising, and African and Caribbean nations must adapt to build resilient societies that genuinely reflect the voices and needs of their citizens.”

Katung emphasized the essential role of parliament in enacting laws that facilitate multi-stakeholder partnerships, allocating resources for these initiatives, and holding the executive accountable for their commitments.

“Despite the threats posed by rising authoritarianism and diminishing civic spaces globally, many countries are adopting the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a reform initiative that promotes public transparency, accountability, and responsiveness,” he noted, stressing its importance in fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for transformational progress.

He further highlighted the significance of regional integration and cooperation in both regions, asserting, “Leaders and parliamentarians must recognize that resilient societies are built through collaborative efforts across all sectors, driving economic growth, social progress, environmental protection, and inclusive development.”

According to Arewa PUNCH, Senator Katung was recognized for his exceptional legislative performance in Nigeria’s National Assembly during the forum. He also received commendation from the South Carolina State Legislature, following a motion by Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, acknowledging his contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development.

During the event, Dr. Ken Giami, Founder and Executive Chairman of the African Leadership Magazine, presented Katung with the African Leadership Legislative Excellence Award, commending him for his outstanding service as a public servant and parliamentarian.

The organizers praised Katung for his integrity, dedication to youth development and empowerment, and his efforts to address security challenges, improve healthcare, and promote education in his region.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State was also honored with the Best Performing Governor Award and received honorary citizenship from the State of Georgia, along with legislative recognition from the South Carolina State Legislature.

The event was attended by various political, business, and industry leaders, including Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chairman of the U.S. Export-Import Bank; Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados; and Stephen Hightower, President and CEO of Hightower Petroleum. Other notable attendees included members of the South African National Congress and leaders from Angola, Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa.

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