Prominent international law expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Damilola Olawuyi, has called for increased financial and technical support for media practitioners across Africa. He stressed that such support is crucial for enabling the media to effectively promote public discourse on climate change, sustainability, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Professor Olawuyi, who also serves as the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), made these remarks during a guest lecture titled Climate and Sustainability Reporting in Africa: The Role of the Media at Northwestern University in Doha, Qatar.
In his lecture, Professor Olawuyi emphasized the media's powerful role in driving awareness of climate change and the SDGs. He noted that media practitioners are uniquely positioned to shape public opinion, influence consumer behavior, and foster greater understanding of environmental rights. They also serve as watchdogs, highlighting success stories and calling attention to marginalized groups such as women, youth, and indigenous communities.
The media has significant power and skills to educate and create awareness on climate change and the SDGs. They shape and maintain public discourse on sustainability, influence consumer choices, empower the public to understand their environmental rights, and serve as public watchdogs, Olawuyi stated.
However, Olawuyi highlighted several challenges facing African media practitioners. A lack of financial resources, limited capacity development opportunities, and the constant fear of reprisals prevent many journalists from engaging in climate and sustainability reporting. These barriers make it difficult for African media to fully contribute to public awareness on climate action and the SDGs.
To overcome these challenges, Olawuyi called for international solidarity and targeted support. He urged the global community to provide financial assistance and reskilling initiatives that would empower African journalists to drive sustainability-focused reporting. By doing so, media practitioners would be better equipped to highlight Africa’s success stories on sustainability and the net zero transition.
Professor Olawuyi also encouraged media professionals to capitalize on the momentum created by ongoing efforts to accelerate the SDGs. He urged them to use effective language and diverse communication methods, including both traditional and social media, to engage African audiences on issues of sustainability and climate action.
While presenting findings from his latest book, Net Zero and Natural Resources Law, published by Oxford University Press, Olawuyi emphasized the importance of risk mitigation strategies and sustainability reporting. His book outlines techniques such as green procurement, transparent climate disclosures, gender justice, and climate smart infrastructure development, all of which are vital for ensuring a just and inclusive energy transition.
Professor Olawuyi's call for increased support for African media practitioners underscores the vital role of journalism in advancing the SDGs and climate action. With the right financial and technical backing, African media can shape public discourse, empower communities, and spotlight the continent’s contributions to global sustainability efforts.
As the world races toward net-zero emissions, it is essential that African journalists are equipped to inform, educate, and inspire action. By doing so, they can help ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future.