Bassey Edet Otu, governor of Cross River State, has demanded stronger global partnerships to combat climate change. He called for increased climate finance and greater support for subnational governments as key actors in the fight.
Governor Otu made his position clear at a high-level session during the 2026 London Climate Action Week. He spoke at Chatham House alongside governors, mayors and global policymakers focused on climate resilience and sustainable development.
The London Climate Action Week draws over 75,000 participants from around the world. It ranks among the globe's largest independent climate gatherings.
The Chatham House session asked a critical question: "Can Cities and States Lead the Shift to Climate Resilience?" Governor Otu participated alongside Eileen Higgins and Wade Crowfoot in the discussion.
Focus centered on how subnational governments drive climate solutions on the ground. They're protecting ecosystems, strengthening infrastructure and pushing clean energy transitions despite fiscal and geopolitical challenges.
Governor Otu highlighted Cross River's environmental record and credentials. He showcased the state's vast rainforest, renewable energy work and climate governance reforms.
"Cross River has consistently demonstrated that environmental conservation and economic development can go hand in hand," the governor told participants. "Our rainforest remains one of Africa's greatest ecological treasures, and we are committed to preserving it while creating sustainable economic opportunities for our people."
He stressed a crucial point about climate action. While international agreements set the framework, implementation falls to states and local governments.
"The future of climate action depends not only on national commitments but on empowering subnational governments to deliver measurable results," Otu declared. "Climate resilience is built community by community, state by state."
Local solutions need global backing, he insisted. They require greater financing and stronger international support to succeed.
His remarks reflected the session's central theme. Cities and regional governments have unique advantages through their proximity to communities, infrastructure and local economies.
Participants reached consensus on a key point. Subnational governments often possess the policy tools needed to accelerate resilience faster than national governments working alone.
António Guterres opened London Climate Action Week with an urgent warning. Against an unprecedented European heatwave backdrop, he noted: "London isn't just calling, it's cooking."
Guterres urged movement beyond promises to concrete action. He warned that "a climate crisis pushing us deeper toward higher temperatures and closer to catastrophic tipping points" threatens the world.
Greater investment in adaptation and resilience is critical, particularly for vulnerable regions. Governor Otu echoed this global call in his remarks.
He urged development partners and international financial institutions to expand climate finance access. Subnational governments—especially those protecting critical ecosystems—deserve broader support, he argued.
