Former member of the House of Representatives and sponsor of Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act, 2021, Rt. Hon. Sir Sam Onuigbo, has officially been inaugurated as President of the global parliamentary network, GLOBE Legislators, at a ceremony held at the UK Parliament.
The inauguration marked a significant milestone in international climate governance and parliamentary collaboration, while also providing an opportunity to reflect on the impactful contributions of GLOBE Legislators over the past 35 years in advancing climate action and sustainable development across the world.
The event attracted prominent global leaders and stakeholders in climate governance, including former United States Vice President and GLOBE co-founder, Al Gore, who delivered an inspiring message.
Also lending support was Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who conveyed a message of goodwill and encouragement.
Other notable speakers included Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction; Mr. Nick Mabey OBE, Founder and Chair of London Climate Action Week and CEO of E3G; and Mr. Pablo Vieira, Head of the NDC Partnership. Their remarks underscored the urgent need for sustained global cooperation in tackling climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Speaking after his inauguration, Onuigbo reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the organization’s global impact, declaring that the progress made over the years would not be allowed to wane.
“The charge is simple: we will not let this light dim,” he stated.
The newly inaugurated president expressed gratitude to the host of the event, Rt. Hon. Graham Stuart MP, former UK Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, as well as his wife, Pastor Dame Princess Chinyere Onuigbo, family members, friends, colleagues, parliamentarians from across the globe, and development partners who travelled from different parts of the world to witness the historic occasion.
Onuigbo’s emergence as President of GLOBE Legislators is being widely viewed as a recognition of his longstanding contributions to climate advocacy and legislative leadership, both in Nigeria and on the global stage.
