Suleiman Bello’s Post

Still basking in the energy and richness of discussions last week at #UNGA79 and #ClimateWeekNYC. Throughout the week I joined critical conversations with leaders and partners like Peter Laugharn, Don Gips, Hilary Pennington, Razan Al Mubarak, John McArthur, Tony Pipa, Lindsey Allen, David Beckman, Peter Colavito and many more – the joy and exhaustion of this week is always seeing and reconnecting with so many wonderful friends and colleagues all dedicated to making the world a better place. As I reflect on these conversations, here are my three key takeaways from the week: 1. The worlds of development and climate action continue to converge, with ever greater commitment to working on these as two deeply interconnected issues. Action on either requires action on both, and funding flows must be coordinated. 2. The importance of locally led development has long received lip service; last week demonstrated the concrete progress in putting ideas into action as evidenced by the many extraordinary local partners in NYC, the funding flows now going both to local partners and to locally led regional re-granters like the Nusantara Fund, the powerful leadership coming from Indigenous communities now receiving support and funding, and the nuts and bolts progress charted by USAID as we heard from USAID’s Michele Sumilas. Much more work to do, but also important to celebrate progress as we did at the WINGS event on LLD. 3. Funding for international development is under intense pressure, as Liz Schrayer laid out in our #DefenseofAid conversation. Progress on urgent priorities will be dangerously impeded if aid budgets are cut here in the U.S. and globally. I look forward to working collectively to build stronger, more resilient communities and pave the way for a safer, more sustainable future for all.

Collaborating for a Sustainable Future: Youth-Led Organizations Unite for Common Goals: In a significant step toward achieving global sustainable development, three youth-led organizations—Africa Climate and Environment Foundation (ACEF), PESAID, and Youth Pawa—recently held a collaborative session at a Diani hotel. During the session, the leaders from each organization identified key areas for partnership, focusing on their shared objectives of eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and promoting environmental sustainability. This collaboration is a powerful example of how partnerships, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, can drive meaningful progress. By combining resources, expertise, and passion, these organizations are working to build a more inclusive, equal, and sustainable future for all. At PESAID, we are excited about the synergies that will arise from this collaboration and remain committed to the shared vision of zero poverty, reduced inequality, and environmental conservation. #PartnershipsForGoals #YouthLeadership #ZeroPoverty #Sustainability #SDG17 #PESAID #ClimateAction

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a vision of a better, fairer world – but turning this vision into reality requires more than just determination. With an estimated $4 trillion gap in funding for developing countries alone, achieving the SDGs by 2030 feels quite daunting, but we believe that through pooled efforts, we can create lasting change. At Bring Hope, we are committed to ensuring that our projects actively contribute to SDG targets. From distributing humanitarian aid to disadvantaged communities to supporting education and climate action, we’re on the ground, working alongside local communities to drive real change. Through resource mobilisation, strategic partnerships, and a focus on community-driven impact, we’re closing the gap one project at a time. You can learn more about our projects here: https://lnkd.in/dPuhryJU

ARIN at the #BCRUP Initiative Launch It was very fulfilling for the Africa Research and Impact Network to actively participate in the launch of the Building Climate Resilience for the Urban Poor (#BCRUP) initiative. This significant event, supported by national #points from 12 African #countries, marks a crucial step towards #enhancing climate #resilience through improved #infrastructure, #sustainable practices, and community #empowerment. Hosted by Kenya’s Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development (MLHUD), the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD), UCLG Africa, The Commonwealth, and others, the inaugural meeting brought together #policymakers, #researchers, and local #communities to address the urgent #challenges posed by #climate change. #ClimateResilience #ARIN #BCRUP #Sustainability #UrbanDevelopment #Africa #ResearchImpact

"Biodiversity Bond to Save Nature" A great initiative of government of Colambia... #biodiversity #columbia #renewableenergy #southamerica #nature #environment #reforestation #biodiversitybond #latinamerica #brazil #savenature #saveearth #innovativeidea #finance #debt #innovativefinancing #cleanair #greenbond #watermanagement

Discover how youth in Papua New Guinea are transforming climate challenges into action and inspiring communities across the region 🌊🌴 We are thrilled to announce a new collaboration between the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP) and Young Influx, two dynamic youth-led platforms committed to amplifying the voices of Asia-Pacific youth in #ClimateAction. Read the story by Duncan Wohwiehembe, a member of YECAP’s Regional Youth Parliament on Climate Action (RYPCA) from Papua New Guinea. In his blog, “Youth Rising for #ClimateGovernance in Papua New Guinea,” Duncan shares the inspiring work of young climate advocates in Sumkar District. From reforestation and agroforestry on Karkar Island to shaping youth-driven climate governance, these changemakers are turning challenges into opportunities. With the right support, they are building a future rooted in climate resilience and sustainability. 📖 Read the full story now: https://lnkd.in/gXciXzer

Colombia's $50 million biodiversity bond initiative is a commendable step toward environmental restoration, particularly for vital ecosystems like mangrove forests. By aligning financial returns with nature preservation, the initiative sets a strong precedent for sustainable development. Such a model not only attracts investors but also ensures long-term ecological benefits, as the funds are used for biodiversity restoration, including mangrove areas. This approach should be replicated in regions like Sindh, Pakistan, where mangrove forests play a critical role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and supporting local livelihoods. Expanding this model globally can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, helping mitigate climate change and promoting sustainable economies.

Innovative climate finance initiatives are growing l.

THE UN’S ROLE IN REDUCING INEQUALITY WORLDWIDE The United Nations plays a crucial role in reducing inequality globally by advocating for sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and environmental stewardship. Through its initiatives, the UN ensures that marginalized communities have access to essential resources, helping to promote economic growth and social inclusion. At Sepik Wetlands & Peatlands Limited, we align with this mission by advancing carbon credits development that protects ecosystems and supports local communities in Papua New Guinea. Our projects aim to conserve wetlands and peatlands, which are critical for mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. By empowering local communities through sustainable practices, we contribute to long-term economic resilience and environmental preservation. We are dedicated to creating a balance between environmental sustainability and social equity, ensuring that the benefits of carbon credits extend to those who are most affected by climate change. Kindly visit our website to learn more about our carbon credits development: www.sepikwpl.com #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction #CarbonCredits

Community Led Climate Action (CLCA) A lot has been said and done in the efforts to address the challenge of #ClimateChange. A lot of investments in terms of money, time, human resource have been used in #ClimateAction. The question is, how much of this investment yield tangible impact in the long-run. How do we ensure that the interventions we put in place lasts and that the #communities where these interventions are implemented have the buy-in to continue taking care of them? This calls for what I would refer to as Community Led Climate Action, (CLCA). Yesterday I toured part of the #Mau forest and came across a section of the land that recently was planted thousands of trees. Though the investment looked huge, most of the #trees seedlings were drying up and only the rains would save them. Next was a similar intervention and I guess this was phase two of the intervention. This first phase had no sign of ever having trees planted there as less than 10% of the tree seedlings had survived. But still, here came phase two which to my thinking, would suffer the same fate. With #communities around this intervention seeming unconcerned, it tells of a project that maybe they were never part of. A project they attach less importance to. It is unfortunate to see such an intervention that would have greatly impacted Mau forest which is part of the most resourceful forest in Kenya, going to waste. And this calls for a change in tactic, maybe involve the communities around and let them be caretakers of these interventions. Whether its the governments, institutions or organizations, the success of your climate actions is largely dependent on community ownership. #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #CommunityLedClimateAction #CLD #HCD #LocalCommunities #TreePlanting #SustainableDevelopment #BetterAfrica Michael Muiya Dr Renuka Thakore Representing Global Communities SAMUEL NJUGUNA