Kano sets example for inclusive climate action at continental summit

The Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to advancing climate justice and building resilient communities across Africa.

He made this known on Monday while delivering an address at the Africa Sustainability Summit 2025, held at the ALN House in Nairobi, Kenya.

SolaceBase reports that the Summit, convened by ALN Kenya and the Centre for Climate Justice, Certa Foundation Rwanda, brought together policymakers, innovators, academics, civil society leaders, and development partners from across Africa and beyond under the theme “Advancing Climate Justice to Build Resilient Communities.”

Dr. Hashim, who represented Kano State at the event, described the gathering as “a continuation of an important continental conversation,” recalling that Kano hosted the Climate Justice Summit in July 2025, which positioned the state as a model for inclusive subnational climate governance in Nigeria and Africa.

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“That landmark event positioned Kano as a subnational model in inclusive climate governance and justice.

“It reflected our strong commitment to policies and programmes that address the pressing realities of climate change.”

The commissioner emphasized that the Africa Sustainability Summit builds on that momentum by providing an international platform to expand collaboration and strengthen collective resolve among stakeholders.

Dr. Hashim highlighted the growing urgency of Africa’s climate challenges, noting the increasing impact of rising temperatures, floods, droughts, and land degradation across the continent.

These, he said, threaten livelihoods, food security, health, and economic stability, making it imperative for nations to unite around focused and inclusive climate actions.

He stressed that climate justice must go beyond policy declarations to tangible, people-centred solutions, especially by ensuring the inclusion of marginalized groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, smallholder farmers, and informal waste workers in the decision-making process.

“Our experience in Kano has shown that climate action succeeds when communities are at the centre,” Dr Hashim said.

He further stated that, “Through our Climate Change Policy, Action Plan, and other flagship initiatives, we have demonstrated that local action backed by strong political will can provide a model for resilience.”

According to him, Kano’s initiatives not only restore degraded land but also create livelihoods, enhance food systems, and promote environmental stewardship—offering lessons that could inspire Africa’s collective journey toward sustainability.

Dr. Hashim further outlined key areas of focus for the summit, including strengthening legal and governance frameworks, empowering agri-tech and climate innovators, promoting circular economy models to tackle waste and plastic pollution, advancing gender-responsive adaptation, and ensuring fair access to renewable energy.

He added that sustainable progress in climate action depends on robust partnerships among governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, and communities. “By working together,” he said,

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“We can unlock opportunities, mobilize resources, and scale solutions that advance Africa’s leadership in global climate dialogue.”

Concluding his address, the commissioner called on participants to ensure that the summit’s deliberations lead to inclusive dialogue, actionable recommendations, and lasting outcomes.

“Let our discussions build on the lessons from Kano and inspire a stronger continental commitment to advancing climate justice,” he said.

“May our time here strengthen our collective resolve to safeguard the dignity, equity, and prosperity of present and future generations.”