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The wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has called for a comprehensive and sustainable strategy that prioritizes both environmental protection and economic growth in the face of climate change.

Mrs. Mbah made this call during an Award Presentation Ceremony for the winners of Enugu State’s first essay competition on climate change, titled “What measures can Enugu State take to address climate change while promoting economic growth, and what role can the youth play in this process?”

The event was organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, in partnership with the First Lady’s Office and the ministries of Youth and Sports, Education, and Environment.

Describing climate change as a complex challenge that impacts health, the economy, and livelihoods, Mrs. Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, stated that Enugu State has already felt its effects—irregular weather patterns, soil degradation, and decreased agricultural yields. She emphasized that tackling climate change directly could lead to sustainable economic development for all citizens.

Mrs. Mbah outlined several measures to combat climate change, including promoting sustainable agriculture, investing in renewable energy, strengthening environmental governance, supporting green industries, enhancing urban planning and infrastructure, and advocating for policy changes.

Earlier in his address, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, expressed his commitment to making the event an annual affair.

He highlighted the initiative’s goal of instilling a sense of responsibility in the youth, encouraging them to engage in state policies and programs, particularly in the fight against climate change. He urged the essay competition winners to view themselves as ambassadors for the state in fostering awareness and advocacy on this critical issue.

Additionally, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Chijioke Ugwu, along with his Education counterpart, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, reinforced the initiative’s role in raising awareness and mobilizing students and youth in Enugu State as climate activists.

They emphasized that climate consciousness has been integrated into the school curriculum and educational system, with youth being the most vital actors in climate action.

In their goodwill messages, Hon. Obiajulu Ugwu, representing Enugu South Rural in the state house of assembly, Dr. Mara Huber, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation, and Dr. Maxwell Ngene, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at ESUT, spoke about the global devastation caused by climate change. They commended the governor for his significant strides in state development and combating climate challenges.

The essay competition awarded Chukwuebuka Onyia as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of 250,000 Naira, while Chinaza Arinze took first runner-up with a prize of 150,000 Naira, and Cynthia Ani secured third place with 100,000 Naira.

The winners praised the organizers, particularly the state government, for the transparent manner in which the competition was conducted, noting that their victories were free from political influence. This, they said, demonstrated that the governor is a leader for all, regardless of social status.

Application deadline: Friday, November 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM (noon) EST

The Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship is a five months fellowship which aims to create a community of committed clean energy and climate change leaders from emerging and developing countries, enriched by engagement with top Yale faculty and researchers, and leading global authorities in the clean energy transition from the International Energy Agency and beyond.

Yale Climate Fellows are drawn from a wide variety of professions ranging from public servants to entrepreneurs, energy company professionals, financiers, journalists, educators, researchers, civil society representatives, legal advisers, and legislators. Sixteen young practitioners are selected each year from from across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America/Caribbean. Fellows share a common passion to become future leaders in the clean energy/climate change space, as they exchange findings and experiences with other like-minded professionals from across the Global South.

Fellows will explore the wide range of climate change initiatives housed at Yale and delve into cutting-edge scholarship on a broad range of clean energy and climate issues. They will also engage with prominent Yale faculty and a network of top practitioners to explore key issues in the global clean energy and climate change agenda.

Program Details
Yale Orientation Week | April 7-11, 2025

This five-month fellowship begins with a one-week, in-person orientation program at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, from April 7-11, 2025.

Among the centers and institutions which may be featured in the orientation program are the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, the Yale Open Lab, the Yale Center for Business and the Environment, the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, and the Yale Office of Sustainability, which manages the University’s net zero goal.

Remote Learning Journeys | May-July, 2025
From May through July 2025, Climate Fellows will organize and carry out a series of interactive remote sessions with top international experts on the full range of policy issues associated with climate change and the clean energy transition. Sessions are spirited journeys allowing for development of communities of practice in specialties and extensive mentoring opportunities.

Paris Closing Week | September 15-19, 2025
The fellowship concludes with an in-person week in Paris, from September 15–19, 2025.

Fellows will meet with top international climate change analysts; share perspectives gleaned throughout the program; and consolidate professional and personal contacts developed through peer learning and exchanges of views.

Fellows will have networking opportunities with staff members from the International Energy Agency and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), French central government and municipal officials, and representatives of civil society organizations, think tanks, academia, and the private sector.

Fellows will also present policy recommendations on specific clean energy and climate-related challenges to a global advisory board, publish those findings, and maintain contacts through an alumni network.

Eligibility Requirements

• Admission is highly competitive. Each cohort of fellows is geographically balanced and represents a wide range of professions, talents, experience, cultures, people, and perspectives. Applicants must be representatives of the Global South: A diverse representation from developing Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America/Caribbean.
• Applicants should be between 5 and 10 years into their professional careers: with demonstrated accomplishments at a regional, national or international level. While there is no age limit, preference is given to young leaders.
• Applicants must be fluent in English:  An excellent command of the English language is essential to successfully participating in the program.
• Climate Fellows must be available: Fellows are expected to fully participate in-person for two weeks of the program. The Yale Orientation week (April 7-11, 2025), and the Paris closing week (September 15-19, 2025).  Fellows must also be available to participate in the five remote learning journeys to be arranged remotely between May and early July 2025.
• An established record of achievement in a profession linked to clean energy and climate change
• A commitment to making a positive impact at the local, national, or international level.
• Demonstrated promise of a future career in leadership at both the national and potentially global level.
• An eagerness to expand and deepen professional networks and to benefit from exposure to top global leaders in the clean energy and climate change space.

How to Apply
The application process for admission to the Climate Fellows Program is done entirely online. There are no paper forms to complete or mail. There is no application fee or other cost to apply or participate.  All fellows’ costs for Yale Orientation week and Paris closing week will be covered by the program (round-trip airfare, hotels, transfers and per-diem).

Applicants are required to submit a résumé/curriculum vitae (maximum three pages), a personal statement (maximum 600 words), and one letter of recommendation. Applicants also have the option of submitting a brief video statement.

Prior to the deadline, you may work on your application at any time and submit it when you are ready.

For more Information: https://jackson.yale.edu/international-leadership-center/climate/program-details/

Click Here to Apply: https://apply.worldfellows.yale.edu/apply/?sr=6192262b-b672-4d3d-9768-6ca0d1d27402