- Safiu Kehinde
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has harped on the need for Kano State government to approve its Climate Change Policy Document, stressing that it will reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience and tackle impact of climate change.
UNICEF’s Kano Field Office WASH Program Officer, Mrs Stella Terver, said this at the validation of the policy on Friday in Kano.
According to her, the policy goal is to promote low carbon, climate resilient, gender responsive and sustainable socio-economic development in the state.
Terver said the policy would also guide the government’s decisions on sustainable development initiatives as well as prepare the state for future climate challenges.
The WASH officer added that the policy was developed with support from UNICEF, Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) and inputs from various stakeholders.
“The climate change policy document, when approved by the governor, will help the state in sourcing funds from international organizations to combat climate change and also help in climate mitigation and adaptation,” she said.
She emphasised the organization’s mission to ensure children’s survival, growth, and realization of their rights.
Terver called on all the citizens to support the policy for its effective implementation for a climate resilient state.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Kano Watershed, Erosion and Climate Change Management Agency (KN-WECCMA), Dr Muhammad Khalil, restated commitment to building a climate-resilient Kano, ensuring sustainable development and promoting the well-being of the citizens.
He said that the process adopted in developing policy involved close engagements with the various stakeholders from MDAs with support from UNICEF and PACE.
Khalil commended the efforts of the duo and other stakeholders in tackling the impact of climate change.