Former Nigerian Vice President and Global Advisor, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, made a compelling appearance on the global stage during the 2025 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, spotlighting climate action and debt reform as central pillars for sustainable development in Africa and beyond.
On the sidelines of the high-level summit, Osinbajo participated in a pivotal Business Meeting on Country Platforms, jointly hosted by the Presidential Climate Council (PCC), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). The discussions centred on aligning international financial support with climate-resilient growth strategies in emerging economies.
In a separate panel hosted by the Debt Relief for Green and Inclusive Recovery (DRGR) initiative at the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the professor of law joined an esteemed lineup of global experts to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: sovereign debt amid global economic shocks.
Speaking alongside Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, Penelope Hawkins from UNCTAD, and other distinguished economists, Osinbajo advocated for bold, innovative frameworks that link debt relief with green investments—particularly in countries vulnerable to climate change.
“The pathway to a green and inclusive future must include real solutions to debt distress,” Osinbajo stated, adding that “Africa cannot afford to be left behind in the global energy transition.”
The session, moderated by Sarah Ribbert of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, underscored the urgency of building equitable financial systems that support climate goals without stifling growth.
Osinbajo’s presence reaffirmed his growing role as a global voice for sustainable development, climate equity, and financial justice.
