The Provost of the College of Art and Built Environment at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor John Tia Bugri, emphasized the urgent need for African nations to unite in protecting the continent’s natural resources. Speaking at the opening of the 1st International Conference on Environment, Social, Governance, and Sustainable Development of Africa (ICESDA) 2024 in Kumasi, Professor Bugri underscored the finite and vulnerable nature of Africa’s ecosystems, stressing the necessity for collaborative efforts to preserve them.
“The impact of climate change is already evident across the continent, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and diminishing water resources,” Professor Bugri stated. “As custodians of the environment, it is our responsibility to adopt sustainable practices, promote renewable energy sources, and develop innovative solutions to mitigate climate change’s effects.”
The conference, held under the theme “Enhancing Environment, Social, Governance, and Sustainability for Africa’s Development,” highlighted the multidimensional aspects of sustainable development. Professor Bugri emphasized the importance of investing in people, particularly in education, healthcare, and social welfare, to unlock Africa’s immense human potential.
“Ensuring access to quality education and healthcare empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society,” he noted. “Addressing social inequality and promoting inclusivity are vital for fostering social cohesion and harmony.”
Furthermore, Professor Bugri stressed the need to enhance governance in Africa, emphasizing the importance of combating corruption, improving the efficiency of public institutions, and creating an enabling environment for business and investment. Recognizing the significance of research, innovation, and collaboration in addressing Africa’s environmental, social, and governance challenges, KNUST is committed to producing knowledge and solutions for sustainable development.
Through interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building, the university aims to drive positive change in partnership with academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector. The ICESDA 2024 Conference, chaired by President of Green Communities International, Prof. De-Graft Owusu-Manu, served as a platform for global scholars, ESG practitioners, and decision-makers to explore innovative pathways towards sustainability.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including social innovations, entrepreneurship, indigenous knowledge management, sustainable innovations in the built environment, and urban mobility in Africa.