COP26: Art for Climate Change Global Exhibition, First Virtual Climate Gallery hold in Lagos

Towards creating awareness of United Nations Climate Change Conference #COP26, and develop climate adaptation solutions in Nigeria, the Italian Consulate in Lagos in collaboration with Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) - #Solution17; the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC); Sterling Bank Nigeria; British Deputy High Commission; and the German Cooperation, hosted the “Art for Climate Change Global Exhibition and the Opening of the first Virtual Climate Gallery” being part of the #NaijaClimateNow campaign.

The exhibition held on 1 November, to coincide with the commencement of COP26 in Glasgow Scotland, featured 17 artworks depicting different solutions to climate emergency the world is experiencing.

The Climate Change Art showcases sustainable art that aims to provoke innovative responses to enhance climate resilience, green economic recovery, and low-carbon development for Nigeria.

The 17 artworks depict the climate solutions and the four goals of COP26; reduce emissions, strengthen adaptation and resilience, mobilise climate finance and effective collaboration.

Consul General, Italian Consulate Lagos, Dr. Maurizio Busanelli in his remarks, said the government of Italy was ready and willing to support innovative solutions to keep the 1.5 degrees target within reach.

The Director of UNIC, Mr Ronald Kayanja, in his opening remarks acknowledged that #Solution17 has mobilized global action that has galvanized local and individual actions through art. “Art is a veritable form of communicating solutions to climate change challenges in Nigeria.” He said.

Mr Kayanja who was represented by the National Information Officer of UNIC, Oluseyi Soremekun, also commended the young people who have developed the solution-based artistic works on exhibition.

The Executive Director of CYCDI, Mrs Foluke Michael thanked the Consul General, Dr. Maurizio Busanelli for thé approval to host #NaijaClimateNow "Art for Climate Exhibition & Virtual Gallery at the Consulate. She acknowledged the support of other partners especially UNIC, Sterling Bank and the British Deputy High Commission.