By Gideon Maxwell
April 24, 2025
Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, made an impactful appearance at the 2025 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, where he highlighted climate action and debt reform as key drivers for sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
During the high-level summit, Osinbajo participated in a crucial Business Meeting on Country Platforms, hosted by the Presidential Climate Council (PCC), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).
The focus of the discussion was on aligning international financial support with climate-resilient growth strategies for emerging economies.
In a separate panel at the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Osinbajo joined global experts from institutions like the World Bank and UNCTAD to address sovereign debt challenges amidst global economic shocks.
Advocating for innovative solutions, he called for frameworks linking debt relief with green investments, particularly for nations vulnerable to climate change.
“The pathway to a green and inclusive future must include real solutions to debt distress,” Osinbajo said. “Africa cannot afford to be left behind in the global energy transition.”
Moderated by Sarah Ribbert from the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the session underscored the urgency of creating equitable financial systems that support climate goals without hindering economic growth.
Osinbajo’s participation further solidified his role as a global advocate for sustainable development, climate equity, and financial justice.
