ASIS summit to focus on sustainable development

The Africa Social Impact Summit will focus on sustainable development and policy innovation as it returns for its fourth edition on July 10-11, organisers said in a statement on Sunday.

Co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria, the summit aims to drive practical solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges, the organisers said.

The event, which will take place in Lagos at Eko Hotel and Suites, will bring together global and African leaders, policymakers, and business executives to develop strategies for sustainable development.

Since its launch in 2022, the summit has attracted more than 10,000 participants from 61 countries, serving as a platform to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

This year’s edition will explore Africa’s vulnerability to climate change and the need for stronger policies to enhance resilience, the organizers said.

“Africa’s ability to identify opportunities and create its own solutions to chart a path toward achieving the SDGs is critical,” said Assistant Secretary-General and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall.

He highlighted the UN’s commitment to supporting Africa’s localised strategies, emphasising six key transition pathways: food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, and climate change.

The CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, emphasised the summit’s role in driving tangible impact.

“ASIS is a catalyst for accelerating the SDGs and delivering tangible impact across Africa,” she stated, citing past successes such as mobilizing N3bn for healthcare revitalization and developing action plans for green job creation.

ASIS 4.0 will feature sessions exploring practical solutions for climate resilience, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.

With over 50 industry-leading speakers across six thematic areas—climate change, circular economy, education, health, renewable energy, and agriculture—the summit is designed to foster impactful partnerships that drive measurable change.