GLOBE Legislators marks 35 years as Onuigbo unveils ambitious global climate action agenda – EnviroNews

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GLOBE Legislators, the world’s foremost cross‑party parliamentary network on climate and environmental governance, marked its 35th anniversary in London on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with a renewed call for political courage, legislative leadership, and global cooperation.

The event, held at the Churchill Room of the UK House of Commons, also witnessed the inauguration of Nigerian lawmaker, Sam Onuigbo, as the new President of GLOBE Legislators – an appointment that signals a decisive shift toward deeper parliamentary engagement in climate action.

The anniversary celebration brought together global climate leaders, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, both of whom paid tribute to GLOBE’s legacy while urging legislators to confront the escalating climate emergency with urgency and resolve.

A Legacy Rooted in Legislative Action

Founded in 1991 by Al Gore, John Kerry, and legislators from the EU, Japan, and Russia, GLOBE was built on a simple but powerful insight: global climate agreements mean little without national laws to implement them. Over 35 years, the organisation has become a central force in shaping climate legislation, convening lawmakers at UN climate summits, and strengthening parliamentary oversight worldwide.

Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act, reflected on this history, noting that GLOBE’s 2015 Legislators Summit in Paris directly inspired his legislative push back home.

“I returned from the summit and never looked back,” he said, crediting GLOBE with catalysing Nigeria’s climate governance framework.

Sam Onuigbo’s Vision: A New Era of Parliamentary Climate Leadership

In his inaugural address, Onuigbo laid out a bold and detailed plan of action for his presidency – one that positions parliaments as the engine room of global climate progress.

1. Scaling Up Green Investments and Climate Initiatives

Onuigbo pledged to work with governments, development agencies, civil society, and the private sector to unlock climate finance and accelerate green investments. His goal is to ensure that climate commitments translate into tangible community‑level action, not just international declarations.

2. Targeted Training and Capacity Building for Legislators

Recognising that effective climate policy requires informed lawmakers, he announced new programmes focused on:

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• peer learning
• technical training
• strategic advocacy
• cross‑parliamentary collaboration

These efforts aim to strengthen legislators’ ability to craft robust laws, secure climate‑aligned budgets, and conduct meaningful oversight.

3. Mainstreaming Climate Education Worldwide

A major pillar of his agenda is the creation of frameworks to integrate climate education at all levels – from primary schools to universities. Onuigbo argued that climate literacy is essential for long‑term resilience, citing GLOBE’s successful Student‑MP Climate Surgery in Nigeria as a model to be expanded globally.

4. Empowering Parliaments to Drive Climate Action

He emphasised that parliaments remain the missing link in many countries’ climate strategies. “Without parliaments, we cannot achieve anything,” he declared, echoing GLOBE’s mantra: “Parliaments Make COPs Count.”

5. Strengthening Global Parliamentary Networks

Under his leadership, GLOBE will continue hosting parliamentary pavilions at UN climate summits – an innovation that began at COP28 and has since become a vital platform for legislative collaboration.

Al Gore: “Political Will Is a Renewable Resource”

In a powerful video message, Al Gore praised GLOBE’s evolution and warned of the escalating climate crisis. He highlighted:

• record‑breaking heat
• rising frequency of billion‑dollar disasters
• geopolitical shocks such as the Strait of Hormuz shutdown

Gore argued that clean energy is now the most economically rational choice, citing dramatic global growth in electric vehicle adoption and the falling cost of solar power. But he cautioned that fossil fuel interests continue to obstruct progress.

He urged GLOBE legislators to break these political logjams, saying: “We need you, as never before, to reinvigorate democracy and ensure governments work for the people, not special interests.”

Yuriko Koike: Cities Must Lead the Charge

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, a former GLOBE Japan president, highlighted the growing climate threats facing major cities – from floods to extreme storms. She showcased Tokyo’s resilience initiatives and the city‑led G‑NET network, which recently convened leaders from 55 global cities.

Koike expressed hope that GLOBE’s anniversary would spark new alliances between cities and parliaments, noting that both levels of governance are essential for effective climate action.

A Turning Point for GLOBE – and for Global Climate Governance

The London gathering was both a celebration and a call to action. With climate impacts accelerating and geopolitical tensions complicating global cooperation, speakers agreed that parliaments must step into a more assertive leadership role.

Onuigbo’s presidency appears poised to push GLOBE into a more activist, capacity‑building, and education‑driven phase – one that seeks not only to influence global negotiations but to transform national legislative landscapes.

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As he concluded: “This is a fire handed to us by great men and women, and we will not let it dim.”

Also speaking at the event, Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, commended Onuigbo’s elevation and called for a renewed focus on strengthening legislative capacity across Africa.

“Legislators must be equipped to understand climate budgeting, climate finance, and the governance tools required to mainstream climate action into national development. I am confident that under Rt Hon. Onuigbo’s leadership, GLOBE will deepen this capacity and support parliaments to deliver meaningful climate outcomes,” said Kalu.

Dr. Eugene O. Itua, Executive Director of AGESI, who joined global dignitaries in honouring Onuigbo’s elevation, noted that Onuigbo’s presidency of GLOBE International reinforces Africa’s growing leadership in global climate diplomacy and legislative action.

“This heatwave is a reminder that climate change is not abstract – it is here with us. Hon. Sam Onuigbo has been a cornerstone of AGESI’s climate governance work. His induction as President of GLOBE International is a powerful affirmation of Africa’s voice and influence in shaping global climate policy. AGESI is proud to stand with him as he continues to champion resilient, inclusive, and accountable climate governance,” said Itua.

The event also marked the transition of GLOBE International’s headquarters to Nairobi, Kenya – described as an important milestone positioning Africa at the centre of global climate governance.

The reception also featured contributions from prominent global figures, including:

• Nigar Arpadarai MP, COP29 High-Level Champion
• Kamal Kishore, SRSG & Head of UNDRR
• Nick Mabey OBE, Founder & Chair, London Climate Action Week
• Paolo Vieira, Global Director, NDC Partnership.