The United Nations in Nigeria and the Sterling One Foundation have expressed strong support for local solutions to climate change.
In a statement on Wednesday, the co-conveners of the annual Africa Social Impact Summit outlined their expectations for the upcoming summit. They reflected on Africa’s role in defining local responses to global challenges.
Since its launch in 2022, ASIS has provided a platform for regional development collaboration. From eight founding partners, the summit now brings together over 40 institutions working across climate, healthcare, education, finance, governance, and digital inclusion.
Speaking at a recent press briefing ahead of the summit, Mohamed Fall, the Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, reinforced the urgency of this year’s convening.
The climate crisis is eroding decades of development across Africa, displacing communities, disrupting education and health systems, and undermining economic stability. But lasting solutions must come from those living with the impact daily.
As co-conveners of the summit, and with this year’s theme, ‘Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation’, “ASIS offers a platform for African institutions to lead and for global partners to respond with investment, policy reform, and serious commitment,” he said.
In a presentation on the summit’s evolving impact, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, reflected on the summit’s trajectory, saying, “ASIS has never been about convening for its own sake. Each summit marks a deliberate step to mobilise capital, shift policy, and advance African-led solutions. Already, we have seen over $100m unlocked through coalition efforts. That scale is not accidental. It is the product of systems thinking, partnership, and a commitment to putting Africa’s priorities at the centre of global development conversations.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasised the private sector’s enduring role in the ASIS journey.
“Sterling Bank has been a strategic partner to ASIS from the very beginning. As global development funding becomes more constrained, it is increasingly clear that the private sector must help drive scalable solutions. Our engagement with ASIS reflects a belief that impact is not a side effort but core to building resilient economies and inclusive growth,” said Suleiman.
