COP30, BRAZIL (2025)
Vivacity Development, under the Future of Work and Green Skills initiative, held its COP30 side event titled “Sustainable Work, Sustainable World: The Future of Work in the Green Economy” on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the GCC Climate Action Hub, COP Blue Zone, Belém, Brazil.
The event brought together leading experts, innovators, researchers, and policymakers to advance climate solutions, strengthen global commitment to emissions reduction, protect critical ecosystems, and promote sustainable development. Discussions centered on building systems that create green jobs, safeguard the planet, and ensure inclusive growth for all.
Event Theme:
The event was themed “Sustainable Work, Sustainable World: The Future of Work in the Green Economy,” focusing on innovative, inclusive, and future-forward approaches to integrating green practices and climate action into the global workforce.
Speakers and Moderators:
Hosts:
– Eng. Kemi Ann-Melody Areola (CEO, Vivacity Development/PR)
– Dr. Babatunde Ajayi (MD/GM, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency – LASEPA) – Co-Host
Keynote Speaker:
– Dr. Babatunde Ajayi – Delivered the keynote speech and closing address, highlighting Lagos State’s transition toward cleaner industries, circular economy systems, and climate-resilient urban development.
Speakers / Panelists:
– Philip M. Fearnside (Research Professor, National Institute for Research in Amazonia)
– Olumide Idowu (Executive Director, ICCDI Africa)
– Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya (Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs)
– Rodrigo Perpétuo
– Andrea Alvares
Moderators:
– Ms. Ebaide Q. Omiunu
– Chaste Inegbedion
Sponsors / Partners:
The COP30 side event was supported by:
– Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA)
– Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
– ANEEJ
Core Objectives:
The event centered on several key objectives:
– Identifying Green Skills: Defining the skills required to prepare the workforce for emerging opportunities in the rapidly expanding green economy.
– Innovative Workforce Strategies: Exploring approaches to integrating green practices into traditional and emerging industries.
– Inclusive Access to Green Jobs: Strengthening opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups in climate-related sectors.
– Multi-sector Collaboration: Underscoring the importance of cooperation between academia, government, civil society, and the private sector in shaping a green-ready workforce.
– Technology & Policy Alignment: Examining how technology, policy tools, and institutional support can drive climate action, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.