GreenHubAfrica Foundation, an environmental sustainability media platform, has launched a Climate Action SuperHeroes Youth Network.

In a statement, it was noted that CASH is a digital-first platform to train and empower 50,000 young changemakers in climate-smart innovation and circular-economy enterprises.

The organisation carried out the launch at a hybrid event convened at UN House in Abuja to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day Exhibition (popularly called WEDex) 2025.

Speaking during the launch, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the GreenHubAfrica Foundation, Henry Bassey, explained the vision and mission of the foundation for a greener, more sustainable continent.

Bassey enumerated the huge employment and empowerment opportunities in the waste management value chain and how youth engagement has economic benefits while protecting the environment.

Earlier, while taking his opening speech, he acknowledged the 2024 Climate Action SuperHeroes school outreach top performers who continue to demonstrate the knowledge they acquired through the CASH programme.

Bassey said, “WEDex, which started as a virtual event due to restrictions of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, has become a movement,” adding that the 2025 edition of WEDex is another milestone after five years of COVID-19 devastation.

“WEDex has grown to become a highly sought-after platform with annual events on WEDex platforms, including webinars, podcasts and outcome capture sessions, resulting in a documented blueprint for climate action from the young and old.

“In 1972, the United Nations designated June 5 as World Environment Day, marking the start of a global movement to raise awareness and accelerate action for the protection of our environment.”

Bassey highlighted the progress recorded by the foundation from years of partnership and how World Environment Day annual events held at the UN House transformed conversations into panel-driven and public-private engagements.

“Today, WEDex 2025 stands not merely as an event but a movement, a bold expression of action and accountability.

“What once began as a webinar series during lockdown has matured into a one-day, high-level engagement that merges conversation with consequence.

“The platform will focus on unpacking thought leadership ideas to deliver solutions that overcome complex environmental challenges through practical reforms,” he said.

Bassey thanked partners, including past and present Resident and Human Coordinators of the United Nations, Nigeria; Sterling One Foundation, IHS Towers and stakeholders.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, explained the organisation’s support for Nigeria in tackling plastic pollution to boost sustainable environmental protection.

Fall said, “Plastic waste accounts for 13 per cent of the total sum of waste generated in Nigeria,” adding that, if properly harnessed, it could create mass employment in the plastic value chain. It could also trigger private-sector-driven investments and foreign direct investment inflows while reducing plastic leakages into the environment.”

The President of NES, Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, explained the organisation’s partnership with GreenHubAfrica and the UN Information Centre in promoting initiatives towards ending plastic pollution.

According to him, there was a gap between separation, collection and distribution of waste during disposal, and that is where the challenge is.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Operations, Family Homes Funds Limited, Dr Henry Inegbu, while making his speech, explained technology-driven solutions to waste management in real estate.

Inegbu said his organisation was conducting training on how to use plastic waste to make bricks, roofing and other building materials for more affordable housing.

The CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, explained the ongoing collaboration between Sterling Bank and her foundation for over a decade to tackle plastic pollution and waste management.

She said, “The 2030 target to reduce plastic pollution to levels not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions will be a mirage without multi-sector collaboration. In our various shares, let us take charge.”

Other stakeholders from various sectors took turns at the event to proffer solutions to issues of plastic waste and environmental challenges.

They noted that waste management was an emergency and all hands must be on deck to tackle the challenges and harness the opportunities.