Key into global compact initiative, UN tells Nigeria
By Charles Okonji
Nigerian has been advised to key into UN Global Compact, which is a special initiative of the UN Secretary General dedicated to promoting sustainable business across the globe.
The United Nation, (UN) Deputy Secretary General, Ms Amina Mohammed who gave this advice at the a high level conversation on industrialization and sustainable development held in Lagos, recently, with the theme: Industrialization: A Pathway to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urged Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN to engage with the UN Global Compact, in the context of this new Africa strategy.
Mohammed pointed out that the UN Global Compact is a special initiative of the UN Secretary General dedicated to promoting sustainable business.
“The Global Compact has a local network in nature, which will grow in the coming years. Additionally, as part of the Global Compact New Africa strategy, a hub will be established in Abuja, to support business across the continent in our joint efforts to achieve the SDGs,” she said.
The UN Secretary General lamented that COVID-19 has derailed progress across all 17 SDGs, adding that in 2020, 124 million people will be pushed back into poverty and some 255 million jobs will be lost worldwide.
She stressed that a sustainable recovery must be guided by the SDGs, noting that the United Nations stands ready to support Nigeria in harnessing industry, and making progress towards the goals.
Acording to her, “I encouraged MAN to engage with the Global Compact, in the context of this new Africa strategy. So business can effectively help move the needle of a sustainable recovery for Nigeria, and the continent.
“Nigeria also stands to benefit greatly from the African continental free trade area, which will improve the quality of goods and services, and increase nature’s competitiveness in national and international markets.
”MAN support will be crucial in ensuring nature takes profit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution by accelerating digital expansion and promoting green industries, while participating in the third Industrial Development decade for Africa.
“Finally to consume responsibly, we also need to promote sustainable industrial production through the circular economy and efficient use of resources to reach zero waste as called for by SDG seven, nine and 12 to achieve the 2030 agenda.”
Commending MAN, on its 50th Anniversary, Mohammed applauded the Association for consistent job creation through the advocacy and result oriented services it provides to its members.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr, Mansur Ahmed, represented by the Vice President, Eastern Zone, Chief Chukwuemeka Nzewi welcomed the guest speaker and the panelists, describing industrialisation as a key component in the development of any economy.
