Kunle Yusuff, a representative of Merited Negotiation Consulting, has opened a high-level roundtable, emphasising the urgent need for globalization partnerships to accelerate sustainable investments and improve grant accessibility.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Initiatives (CSCHEI) and Strategic Groups, USA, was held at the Nigerian Mission House in New York, gathering key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss pressing global challenges.
During the discussions, Syndoph Endoni, Minister/Charge d’Affaires Ad Interim of Nigeria’s permanent mission to the United Nations, articulated the pressing necessity for a United Nations framework convention on international tax cooperation.
“Such a framework is essential for supporting economic development across Africa,” Endoni stated, highlighting the challenges faced by African nations in securing adequate funding for growth initiatives.
The roundtable also featured insights from Consul General Abubakar Jidda, who underscored Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development and economic inclusivity.
“Nigeria is not just an opportunity; it’s a gateway to the future of trade and investment in Africa,” Jidda declared in his welcome address.
He remarked on the critical role of sustainable investments in driving economic prosperity and addressing global challenges, reiterating Nigeria’s strategic position as an attractive destination for foreign investors.
Yusuff elaborated on the significance of the event, noting that it serves as a vital platform for fostering partnerships and cooperation among development partners and donor agencies.
He mentioned that last year’s roundtable had successfully established collaborations with esteemed organizations, including the CEO Summit, Liberty University, and various consulting groups, laying the groundwork for this year’s discussions.
The event’s agenda focused on several key themes, including sustainable investments targeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, agribusiness, youth development, and gender mainstreaming. Participants engaged in discussions aimed at identifying actionable strategies and fostering trust among stakeholders.
Yusuff highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for investment, stating, “We are here together because we know each other, we like each other, and this roundtable will provide tactical instruments to build trust for sustainable investment.”
Endoni concluded the event by emphasizing that development interventions in Nigeria not only benefit the nation but also represent significant progress for 20% of the Black race, underscoring the broader implications of Nigeria’s economic advancement.
He reiterated that any initiative aimed at propelling Nigeria forward has the potential to uplift many across the continent.
The involvement of key international organizations, including UNITAR, UNOSAT, AI Grant, USA, Commonwealth, UK, Organization of Africa Caribbean Pacific States, Belgium, Strategic Groups, USA, Ambassador Renee Robin Sanders, former US Ambassador to Nigeria and various Donor Agencies, was noted as critical to the roundtable’s success.
The participants expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts discussed would lead to meaningful outcomes and a stronger framework for sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
Kebbi State, Zamfara State and National Agency For Green Great Wall attended, Hon. Commissioner, Humanitarianism, Special Duties, NGOs and Diaspora, Nasarawa State and Special Adviser, Development Partners Coordination, Ogun State were among the Government participants from Nigeria.
