Inclusive Climate Action: Vivacity Development partners LASEPA to boost Lagos Carbon Market

Vivacity Development has convened an international dialogue at COP30, bringing together global climate leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates for a strategic side event themed “Designing Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future: Leveraging the Lagos Carbon Market for Climate Resilience and Inclusive Growth.”

The event took place at the Global Carbon Council (GCC) Climate Action Hub, Blue Zone, Pavilion in Belem, Brazil and it was co-hosted by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the session explored how cities and emerging economies can build climate-resilient workforces and unlock inclusive economic opportunities through carbon markets, remediation projects, and green innovation.

Engr. Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, Chief Host and Chief Executive Officer of Vivacity Development, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action that creates accessible, future-focused job pathways.

She noted that the Lagos Carbon Market represents “a transformative opportunity to strengthen climate resilience, expand economic participation, and empower communities through innovation and skills development.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, Managing Director/GM2 of LASEPA, who highlighted Lagos State’s commitment to building a robust localized carbon economy that attracts investment, strengthens environmental protection, and creates long-term employment opportunities.

He underscored the importance of policy innovation, public-private partnerships, and scaled climate financing in driving sustainable development.

The panel featured globally respected thought leaders, including: Philip M. Fearnside, Research Professor, National Institute for Research in Amazonia (INPA), Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, (represented by Mobolaji Onimole Director and Head – Development Partnership
Department,Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget.), Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on SDGs, Rodrigo Perpetuo, Executive Director, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, South America Secretariat, Andrea Alvares, President of the Board, Instituto Ethos and Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI Africa.

The session was moderated by Ms. Ebaide Q. Omiunu and Mr. Chaste Inegbedion, Head of Failure & Social Experiments, Semaform Foundation.

During the discussions, speakers examined practical pathways for scaling green jobs across sectors such as waste recovery, carbon monitoring, renewable energy, urban forestry, and climate innovation.

They also highlighted the skills, policies, and governance structures needed to prepare citizens for emerging climate-related job roles.

Speaking on the evolution of climate governance, Rodrigo Perpetuo noted that “new structures bring new policies, new regulations, and may catalyze new jobs in the private sector in the mid-term.”

He also showcased the “ICLEI Innovation” program and its successful applications in the City of Porto Alegre, reinforcing how innovation ecosystems can stimulate green employment.