Onuigbo, sponsor of Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act 2021, will formally assume office at GLOBE International’s 35th Anniversary Reception at the House of Commons, United Kingdom Parliament, on June 24, a statement from his office said on Sunday.
His inauguration comes as the organisation marks its 35th anniversary and coincides with the maiden Nigeria Climate Investment Summit, which he is convening at the Mansion House in the City of London from June 23 to 26.
According to an official invitation signed by the Chief Executive of GLOBE Legislators, Malini Mehra FRSA and made available to journalists on Sunday, Onuigbo will succeed Argentine parliamentarian, Deputy MC Juan Carlos Villalonga, who currently heads the international parliamentary organisation.
The letter stated that, “Apart from participating in London Climate Action Week, Rt. Hon. Sir Sam Onuigbo will deliver his inaugural address as President of GLOBE Legislators at the 35th Anniversary Reception at the United Kingdom Parliament on June 24.”
Mehra also disclosed that Onuigbo, who currently serves as Vice-President for Africa, would be formally introduced as President of GLOBE Legislators as the organisation relocates its headquarters to Nairobi, Kenya.
She described the leadership transition as a significant moment in the organisation’s history.
“The anniversary reception, hosted by Rt. Hon. Graham Stuart MP, former UK Minister for Climate Change and former President of GLOBE International, will bring together parliamentarians from across the political spectrum in the United Kingdom and around the world to celebrate 35 years of parliamentary leadership on climate and sustainable development,” she said.
Founded in 1991 by former United States Vice-President Al Gore, former US Secretary of State John Kerry and legislators from the European Parliament, Russia’s Duma and Japan’s Diet, GLOBE International is a non-partisan network of lawmakers committed to advancing sustainable development through legislation and international cooperation.
Onuigbo’s emergence is widely regarded as recognition of Nigeria’s increasing profile in climate governance, particularly following the enactment of the Climate Change Act 2021, the country’s first comprehensive climate legislation.
Since sponsoring the law during his time in the House of Representatives, Onuigbo has remained actively involved in promoting climate action, environmental sustainability and energy transition both within Nigeria and internationally.
His work has earned him several recognitions, including being named among the Top 30 Global Climate Action Leaders by the New York-based Business Insider in 2023, his office said.
The statement pointed out that he was also inducted into the National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame for the 2019–2023 legislative session and honoured by the 10th House of Representatives as a Worthy Ambassador of the Green Chamber.
According to Mehra, London Climate Action Week has evolved into one of the world’s leading climate diplomacy platforms.
“London Climate Action Week has become a key event in the global climate diplomacy calendar, attracting ministers, lawmakers, investors, business leaders, local governments, civil society organisations, academics and cultural institutions from around the world,” she said.
She added that this year’s edition is expected to surpass the more than 700 climate-related events hosted across London in 2025 and will feature major summits on climate investment, climate innovation, net-zero delivery, sustainable cities and energy technology.
The 35th anniversary reception will be held under the theme, “Building Political Resilience and Public Consensus for Climate Action at a Time of Severe Domestic and Geopolitical Challenges.”
According to Mehra, discussions during the event will focus on strengthening climate cooperation despite global tensions, promoting investment and innovation for a net-zero economy, addressing climate risks and resilience, supporting nature and ocean regeneration, and mobilising governments, businesses and civil society to accelerate climate action.
GLOBE Legislators is a founding partner of the London Climate Action Week, now regarded as the world’s largest and most diverse climate action festival. This year’s activities will be hosted at some of London’s most iconic venues, including the UK Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Kew Gardens, the Globe Theatre, Guildhall and Mansion House.
Onuigbo is also expected to deliver remarks outlining the objectives of the inaugural Nigeria Climate Investment Summit, which aims to attract global investment into Nigeria’s climate, renewable energy and sustainable development sectors while strengthening the country’s position in international climate diplomacy, his office stated.
