In a gathering of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, the Environmental Sustainability Summit 2023 was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2023, providing a platform for global leaders to address the pressing challenge of climate change.
Organized by the Business & Financial Times in collaboration with esteemed partners including Citi FM/TV, the summit was aimed at fostering discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving towards building sustainable food systems and protecting the environment.
The summit, held at the Alisa hotel in Accra, welcomed distinguished guests from various sectors and nations, all united by a shared concern for the future of the planet.
With the theme “Climate change and its Impact on Food Systems and Sustainable Environment,” the event highlighted the urgency of taking robust measures to mitigate climate change’s adverse effects and establish resilient agricultural practices.
The opening ceremony saw the Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, deliver an inspiring keynote speech.
Prof. Asare-Bediako expressed gratitude to the organizers for their commitment to addressing climate change and their recognition of the need for collaboration in this global endeavor.
Drawing attention to the intricate relationship between climate change and food systems, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the far-reaching implications for sustainable development goals.
He underscored the urgent need to tackle climate change challenges, highlighting the threats it poses to human well-being, including food insecurity, water scarcity, and economic losses.
With a call to action, Prof. Asare-Bediako stressed the importance of both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
He urged participants to explore “innovative solutions such as sustainable agriculture practices, resilient crop varieties, and disaster management to combat the adverse effects of climate change on food systems.”
Other discussants at the summit were John Darko, Senior Law Lecturer at the GIMPA School of Law, Portia Adade Williams, Research Scientist at the CSIR-STEPRI; Nii Armah Wulu, James Town Chief Fisherman; Dramani Bukari, Director of Climate Innovation Center, among others.