By Joy Onu
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, joined global experts and researchers at the 5th conference of the Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), held from March 4 to 7, 2026, at the headquarters of the United Nations University in Tokyo, Japan.
The international gathering brought together participants from across the world to examine how technological innovation can strengthen multilateral cooperation in promoting peace and advancing sustainable development.
The conference began with a welcome address by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and United Nations Under-Secretary-General, who highlighted the importance of collaborative research and policy engagement in addressing global environmental and development challenges.
Keynote speeches were later delivered by Dr. Måns Nilsson, Executive Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute, and Rumiko Seya, President of Reach Alternatives, both of whom emphasised the need for stronger international partnerships and innovative approaches to sustainability and peace-building.
During the conference, Anosike and members of the NiMet delegation participated in a series of thematic sessions covering climate action, disaster resilience, migration, climate change mitigation, environmental sustainability, and sustainable agriculture.
The sessions also explored issues such as climate governance, urban resilience, climate justice, and the management of transboundary natural resources, alongside emerging approaches for monitoring and predicting environmental changes.
NiMet’s participation in the conference provided an opportunity for engagement with international stakeholders, enabling the delegation to exchange knowledge and contribute perspectives on strengthening climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives.
Observers noted that the agency’s presence at the conference further reinforced Nigeria’s role in global sustainability conversations while opening avenues for collaboration in climate science and environmental management.
