The Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI) has joined global leaders in celebrating the induction of Sam Onuigbo as President of GLOBE International during the organisation’s 35th Anniversary Reception held on Wednesday evening at the UK Parliament, House of Commons, as part of London Climate Action Week (LCAW).
Onuigbo, who has long served as Chair of the Climate Governance Council of AGESI, continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Africa’s climate governance architecture.
His leadership at AGESI has been central to advancing legislative capacity, institutional reforms, and evidence-based climate action across the continent.
The high-level reception—hosted in the historic Churchill Room and convened under an Extreme Heat Alert issued by the UK Met Office—brought together lawmakers, climate champions, and diplomatic stakeholders from around the world.
The theme, ‘Building Political Resilience & Public Consensus for Climate Action’, highlighted the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation and political continuity in the face of escalating climate impacts.
Global leaders commend Onuigbo
In a powerful video message, Al Gore, former Vice-President of the United States and co-founder of GLOBE, congratulated the new President and his leadership team. He urged them to take GLOBE International “to the next level,” noting that signs of climate change are now visible everywhere, including the extreme heat that affected the UK on the day of the event.
“I encourage the new President and his cabinet to build on GLOBE’s legacy and accelerate the political leadership needed to confront this global crisis,” Al Gore, Former Vice President of the United States.
Also speaking at the event, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, commended Onuigbo’s elevation and called for a renewed focus on strengthening legislative capacity across Africa.
“Legislators must be equipped to understand climate budgeting, climate finance, and the governance tools required to mainstream climate action into national development. I am confident that under Rt Hon. Onuigbo’s leadership, GLOBE will deepen this capacity and support parliaments to deliver meaningful climate outcomes,” Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Nigeria.
AGESI executive director present at ceremony
The event was attended by Dr Eugene O. Itua, Executive Director of AGESI, who joined global dignitaries in honouring Hon. Onuigbo’s elevation.
Itua noted that Onuigbo’s presidency of GLOBE International reinforces Africa’s growing leadership in global climate diplomacy and legislative action.
“This heatwave is a reminder that climate change is not abstract—it is here with us. “Rt Hon. Sam Onuigbo has been a cornerstone of AGESI’s climate governance work. His induction as president of GLOBE International is a powerful affirmation of Africa’s voice and influence in shaping global climate policy. AGESI is proud to stand with him as he continues to champion resilient, inclusive, and accountable climate governance,” said Itua.
A gathering of global climate leaders
⦁ Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo
⦁ Nigar Arpadarai MP, COP29 High-Level Champion
⦁ Kamal Kishore, SRSG & Head of UNDRR
⦁ Nick Mabey OBE, Founder & Chair, London Climate Action Week
⦁ Paolo Vieira, Global Director, NDC Partnership
The event also marked the transition of GLOBE International’s headquarters to Nairobi, Kenya—an important milestone positioning Africa at the centre of global climate governance.
Extreme heat advisory
In response to the UK’s Extreme Heat Alert, organisers implemented safety measures including shortened speeches, enhanced ventilation, and hydration support. Delegates were encouraged to follow UK government guidance to stay safe during the heatwave.
AGESI is a panAfrican institution advancing climate governance, green economy transitions, and sustainability leadership. AGESI works with governments, legislators, private sector actors, and development partners to strengthen climate-resilient development pathways across the continent.
