Experts are set to convene at the upcoming 8th Annual Sustainability Table Series, scheduled for November 28, 2024, in Lagos, with a primary focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities surrounding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Themed “Navigating Challenges, Leveraging Opportunities in a Reforming Economy to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” this conference, organized by the Avant-garde Sustainability Foundation, aims to foster meaningful partnerships that can propel sustainable development efforts across various sectors. Participants will engage in dialogues regarding strategies that could promote a more sustainable economic future, specifically looking at innovative approaches that can significantly impact communities and nations alike.
The Sustainable Table Series this year will take on numerous pertinent policy-related subjects essential for sustainable development. Key discussions will center on advocating for fiscal policies that incentivize businesses to adopt circular economy principles. The initiative is seen as instrumental in shifting the economic paradigm, encouraging organizations to reduce waste and utilize resources more efficiently. Additionally, the conference will focus on the importance of bolstering cultural and creative industries as essential drivers for economic growth, while emphasizing the necessity of sustainable infrastructure projects. These projects, which include renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and robust waste management systems, are critical to the broader goal of creating a resilient and sustainable society.
Alongside these initiatives, the conference will address the existing gaps in social safety nets to ensure equitable access to necessary resources for all members of society. This emphasis on inclusivity is integral to promoting social equity and nurturing communities that can thrive under sustainable practices. Participants are encouraged to advocate for inclusive policymaking processes that engage a variety of stakeholders, including businesses and community organizations, to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented and harnessed. These discussions are essential as they can lead to more effective and holistic strategies in tackling socio-economic disparities.
The urgency of the conference’s theme reflects Africa’s unique sustainability challenges, particularly in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. The conveners highlight the pressing need for collaborative solutions that can adapt to the specific contexts of African countries, paving the way for sustainable economic advancements. This call for partnership is particularly relevant in the face of global issues such as climate change, as well as localized concerns regarding resource management and socio-economic inequalities. The conference aims to create pathways that support not just decarbonization and climate resilience, but also inclusive growth that benefits all sectors of society.
Temilade Denton, this year’s convener, emphasized the need for a bold approach in addressing the intersecting challenges of economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental preservation. Denton believes that a clear set of decisive actions is crucial for charting a sustainable future amidst these complex dilemmas. This viewpoint resonates with many stakeholders who feel a sense of urgency in implementing effective solutions that prioritize sustainability. Collaboration among various sectors and stakeholders becomes vital in formulating strategies that can drive meaningful change and support environmental and economic targets.
Notable dignitaries are expected to attend this year’s event, including influential officials from various sectors. Among these are Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Frank Eggmann, reflecting the international interest and support for sustainable development in Nigeria. Other attendees include Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs, alongside leaders from both the private sector and civil society. Their presence underscores the collaborative spirit of the conference and highlights the convergence of public and private efforts needed to advance the global agenda around the Sustainable Development Goals. The potential for innovative partnerships emerging from the discussions at this event promises to be pivotal in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for communities in Nigeria and beyond.
