I recently had the opportunity to attend the Global Solutions Summit 2023 held in Berlin, Germany. The summit served as a platform for global leaders, experts, and organizations to come together and discuss pressing global challenges. In this report, I will provide an overview of the event, highlighting key activities and notable sessions.
The first day of the summit was marked by an exciting start as I finally met my colleagues from the Global Solutions Initiative (GSI) in person after months of virtual interactions. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and enthusiasm as participants gathered at the venue. The day began with a keynote speech delivered by Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz. In his address, he reaffirmed his support for African participation in the G20, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives and collaboration in addressing global issues. His words resonated with the attendees, setting a positive tone for the rest of the event.
One of the most heated and productive sessions of the day was the “African Voices in the G7/G20” session. Esteemed speakers like Dayalan Govender, Partner at PwC, Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive of the South African Institute of International Affairs, and Tetsushi Sonobe, Dean & CEO of the Asian Development Bank Institute, shared their insights and engaged in a fruitful dialogue. Notable contributions were also made by Mr. Mohamed Ali Habouha, the Governor of the Province of Berkane, Morocco, and Ms. Alaseselu Osayuwamen Adewale, the Focal Person of Edo State Social Investment Programme.
We engaged in extensive discussions regarding the growing demand for the African Union (AU) to join the G20 and the necessary contributions they would need to make for their participation to be meaningful to both African countries and G20 member states. During these discussions, concerns were raised about African governments misusing funds allocated for projects by international governmental organizations (IGOs). To address these concerns, I took the opportunity during my speech to clarify and highlight the projects and achievements of the Edo State Government over the years. I emphasized the positive relationship the government has established with multinational corporations, showcasing how the allocated funds have been utilized efficiently and in a manner that generates tangible outcomes in a remarkable manner across the state. It was crucial to set the record straight and demonstrate the responsible and effective use of resources by the government.
Reports of misappropriation of funds send the wrong signals to organizations that are considering investments in Nigeria and by extension Africa. Such incidents can undermine trust and confidence in the region’s governance and economic stability. This not only serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability but also sends a strong message to potential investors. Investors, especially multinational corporations, seek regions where their funds will be utilized . They need assurance that their investments will contribute to sustainable development, economic growth, and social progress.
Reports of misappropriation create doubts and hesitations, making it challenging to attract vital investments that can spur economic advancement. It is essential for African governments and organizations to proactively address any reports of misappropriation and implement robust measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective oversight. By doing so, they can restore trust, encourage investments, and pave the way for sustainable development in the continent.
The second day of the summit marked both the conclusion of the event and a memorable moment for me personally. The day was packed with engaging sessions and discussions on various topics. One exciting moment was the 2023 Young Global Changers Awards, where Chinwendu Nweke, a Nigerian and the founder of Bridge Merchant Enterprise, was crowned the winner for her exceptional initiative that leverages people and technology to create a platform where everyone can be a part of the agriculture value chain. The highlight of the day was the gift presentation ceremony, where I had the honor of presenting gifts to the President of GSI, Dennis Snowden; Agnes Michalik, Managing Director of GSI and Ole Spies, Program Lead of the Young Global Changers program. This moment served as a testament to their unwavering support and outstanding contributions and dedication to finding innovative solutions to global challenges.
Attending the Global Solutions Summit 2023 in Berlin was an incredible experience. It provided a platform for meaningful exchanges, networking opportunities, and the chance to witness passionate discussions among experts from around the world. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and highlighted the need for diverse perspectives to address complex global issues effectively. I look forward to implementing the knowledge and insights gained from this summit in future endeavors, and I am grateful for the connections made and the inspiring individuals I met throughout the event. The Global Solutions Summit 2023 will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my professional journey, and I eagerly anticipate future editions of this prestigious gathering and maybe one even held in the heart of Africa.
Amazing