The Faculty of Arts, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, recently hosted a landmark International Multidisciplinary Hybrid Conference, emphasizing the urgent need for universities, government bodies, and communities to take action on climate change and environmental sustainability.
With the theme “Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability: Global Perspectives and Local Issues,” the two-day hybrid conference attracted scholars, policymakers, civil society representatives, and students both in-person and online.
Prof. Arua Oko Omaka in his speech highlighted AE-FUNAI’s commitment to research that addresses real societal issues. “Climate change is no longer a problem for tomorrow; it is here now. It affects our farms, our water sources, our health, and our economy,” he stated.
He affirmed that AE-FUNAI is prepared to create an enabling environment for research and innovation. “We encourage our scholars to take research from journals to the field and from theory to practice, so that their work can directly improve the lives of our people,” he added.
The Dean of Arts emphasized that climate change is not only a scientific issue but also a human and cultural one. “Literature, history, philosophy, and the arts can help us understand how people experience climate change, how they adapt, and how they find meaning in loss, resilience, and hope. The Faculty of Arts is proud to lead this conversation,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the University Management for their support and urged participants to produce outcomes that would shape policy and raise public awareness.
Dr. Romanus Nwoma, the conference convener, stated that the hybrid format was designed to ensure inclusive global participation, pointing-out that climate change impacts every discipline. “Scientists must engage with artists, lawyers must speak to farmers, and engineers should collaborate with traditional rulers. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for finding sustainable solutions”, he noted.
Dr. Sylvester Nwite, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, commended AE-FUNAI for organizing the conference and aligning it with the state government’s environmental agenda. “Climate change is a present danger. In Ebonyi, we are experiencing erosion, flooding, and deforestation. The State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency is investing in afforestation, erosion control, waste management, and environmental education,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, and communities, asserting, “We cannot combat climate change in isolation. Universities like AE-FUNAI must continue to provide research, data, and advocacy to guide policy. The government, in turn, must create policies and demonstrate the political will to protect our environment for future generations.”
In the keynote speech, Chima Williams, declared that climate change is no longer a distant prediction but a lived reality. “From floods in Bayelsa to droughts in the Sahel, and heat waves to erosion in Ebonyi, people are experiencing the effects of climate change daily. Climate justice requires more than just reducing carbon emissions; it necessitates protecting civic freedom, strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring corporate accountability, and guaranteeing meaningful participation by affected communities in environmental decision-making,” he stated.
He maintained that universities must evolve beyond being centers of academic excellence; they should become laboratories for climate innovation, environmental governance, civic engagement, and policy reform.
“Research should not remain confined to journals and conference proceedings. It must reach communities, parliaments, and policymaking arenas,” he emphasized.
Chima concluded by stating that the fight against climate change is also a fight for justice, accountability, human dignity, and the protection of environmental defenders.
“Let this conference be more than an exchange of academic ideas; let it become a platform for building partnerships, influencing policy, strengthening institutions, protecting environmental defenders, and advancing climate justice across Nigeria, Africa, and the world,” he urged.
As part of the conference activities, a tree planting exercise was conducted in support of the University’s Green Campus Drive and its commitment to environmental sustainability.
