Rt Hon. Sam Onuigbo, Chair of the Climate Governance Council, AGESI, Inducted as President of GLOBE International at the UK Parliament

The Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI) proudly joins global leaders in celebrating the induction of the Rt Hon. Sam Onuigbo as President of GLOBE International during the organisation’s 35th Anniversary Reception held this evening at the UK Parliament, House of Commons, as part of London Climate Action Week (LCAW).

Hon. 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 amid escalating climate impacts.

Global Leaders Commend the Incoming President

In a powerful video message, Hon. 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 the signs of climate change are now visible everywhere including the extreme heat affecting 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,” Hon. 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 Hon. 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,” Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Nigeria.

AGESI Executive Director Present at the Ceremony

The event was attended by Dr Eugene O. Itua, Executive Director of AGESI, who joined global dignitaries in honouring Hon. Onuigbo’s elevation. Dr. Itua noted that Hon. 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 Dr Eugene O. Itua, Executive Director, AGESI.

A Gathering of Global Climate Leaders

The reception featured contributions from prominent global figures, including:

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 relocation of GLOBE International’s headquarters to Nairobi, Kenya—an important milestone that positions 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.

About AGESI

The Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI) is a pan‑African 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.

Media Contact

AGESI Secretariat

Email: info@agesi.africa

Website: https://agesi.africa

Video Speech by Hon. Al Gore, Former Vice President of the United States, as Rt Hon. Sam Onuigbo, the Inducted President of GLOBE International, at the UK Parliament. Listen to the exultation.

R–L: Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Nigerian Government and National Assembly in support and congratulations to the newly inducted President of GLOBE International, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, at the UK Parliament.

Rt Hon. Sam Onuigbo, during his acceptance Speech as the new President of GLOBE at the UK Parliament

Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, President of GLOBE International, was warmly congratulated by Dr Eugene O. Itua, Executive Director, Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI), at the UK Parliament.

(R-L): Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria; Hon. (Prince) Adebayo O. Balogun, Chairman, House Committee on Election Matters, and Dr Eugene Itua, the CEO, Natural Eco Capital & Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI) at the Inducted President of GLOBE International at the UK Parliament, listen to the exultation.

L–R: Mr. Cedric Thomas Frolick, MP, House Chairperson: Committees, Oversight & Public Participation, Parliament of South Africa and Dr. Eugene O. Itua, CEO, Natural Eco Capital & Executive Director, Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI).

L–R: H. E. Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, EGH, Governor of Vihiga County, Kenya; Dr. Eugene Itua, the CEO, Natural Eco Capital & Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI) and Paolo Vieira, Global Director, NDC Partnership

R–L: The Hon. Frank Achinike Owhor, JP, DSSRS, Member, Governing Board (South‑South Representative), North‑East Development Commission (NEDC); Dr. Eugene O. Itua, CEO, Natural Eco Capital & Executive Director, Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI).

L-R: Prof. Emmanuel W. Ramde, Executive Director, WASCAL; Rt Hon. Sam Onuigbo, the Inducted President of GLOBE International; Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Chairman, WASCAL; and Dr Eugene Itua, Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute (AGESI),