DR. PAUL ABOLO

Secretary, BOT.

Dr. Paul Abolo is a distinguished figure in environmental sustainability, climate finance, and social development. As the Executive Director at Empath and President of Ecologistics Integrated Services, a firm specializing in climate change investment and sustainable development, Dr. Abolo has significantly influenced global strategies in these domains. He is the convener of both the Nigeria Climate Change Investment Forum (NCCIF) and the Africa Climate Change Investment Forum (ACCIF), platforms that foster investment in elimate action across Africa. Abolo's expertise extends to his roles as Executive Director of Connect Earth Initiatives and a member of the Climate Solutions Advancement Network (Climate SAN). He has served as a Safeguard Specialist Consultant for the World Bank on the Nigeria Green Bond and as a Country Expert for Stantec on an African Development Bank project related to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). His work includes a groundbreaking study on Gender Mainstreaming for the UN REDD+ Program in Nigeria and leading the accreditation process of the Central Bank of Nigeria's Agric Corporation (NIRSAL Plc.) as a Direct Access Entity for the Green Climate Fund (GCF). His academic background is robust, holding qualifications in Environmental Studies, Business Management, Finance, and a Doctor of Management degree with a specialization in Environmental and Social Sustainability (ESS). He has further enhanced his knowledge with strategic finance from Harvard Business School and an MBA. Dr. Abolo is known for conceptualizing and developing sustainable development strategies, publications, and initiatives. His social impact is profound, particularly through his work on needs analysis for internally displaced camps and intervention programs for various vulnerable groups, focusing on sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Abolo's approach to generating jobs and revenue through climate change mitigation and adaptation, especially engaging youth and addressing gender issues, showcases his innovative methodology in sustainable development. Dr. Abolo is a global thought-leader, actively involved with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Net-Zero Target, and Energy Transition. He pioneered the Nigerian Pavilion at COP24 in Katowice, Poland, enhancing the dialogue between subnational entities, the private sector, and international climate action. His key contributions include the Nigeria Climate Finance Readiness Plan, the Abuja Declaration 2016, and various initiatives aimed at transitioning from linear to circular economies. His passion for aiding developing nations in accessing global climate support continues as he works on promoting the carbon market in Africa and advancing innovative finance for green projects and energy transitions worldwide. Dr. Paul Abolo's work not only addresses immediate environmental and social challenges but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable, equitable future.