UPLIFTING THE ENVIRONMENT: OGUN STATE - NIGERIA GOES GREEN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP

International Conference & Workshop organized by UPLIFT Development Foundation, KEN and ICPE in Abeokuta, Nigeria on 23 – 24 April, 2013 brought together over 700 representatives of state and national authorities, diplomats, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, academics and experts from Europe.

The participants expressed strong support for the strategic initiative of Ogun State and Nigeria to adapt the commitment to sustainable development with equal attention to its three dimensions: economic, ecological and social. The initiative enjoys the best possible support and excellent prospects of success and full implementation. It can bring valuable benefits to the Ogun State and could also inspire other states in Nigeria.

As the ICPE becomes more active in Africa, conferences like the Ogun State – Nigeria Goes Green represent a valuable opportunity for introducing ICPE’s fast-evolving environmental and entrepreneurship activities. Furthermore, it provides ICPE with the unique chance of meeting relevant stakeholders on the margins of the forum and to discuss some of the paramount issues of our activities, such as socially responsible entrepreneurship and better mutual understanding of business and government.

Very positive experiences from “Nigeria Goes Green” international conference in Abeokuta and successful talks with ministries in Abuja will enable ICPE to touch a series of thought-provoking topics in the area of renewable energy, climate change and energy efficiency while providing a platform for interactive dialogue on numerous related issues.

At the conference Mr. Janez Podobnik, Acting Director General emphasized ICPE’s readiness to facilitate discussions on environment topics and thus help expand performance of Nigerian enterprises. In his opinion Nigeria, while searching for its own development paradigm, should come up with original and innovative approaches, being aware of its potential and limitations, as well as benefiting from several good practice cases and experiences from all corners of the world.  He encouraged the participants at the conference to find answers to the key questions related to green growth.

Mr. Tomaž Rogelj, Executive Manager presented ICPE’s approach and training on wastewater management in an environmentally-conscious manner. His presentation was focused on low cost treatment systems which provide high level of treatment at significantly lower costs and less sophisticated and less costly operation and maintenance.

We at ICPE are proud to have invited to the Conference also the representatives of enterprises from Slovenia which participated actively at the conference both as speakers and in B2B talks.