Former Kwara First lady, Toyin Saraki has been appointed as a member of Expert Review Panel of an international climate award,Sustainable Markets Initiative Terra Carta Seal Award, 2023.
The globally renowned philanthropist who is Wellbeing Foundation Africa Founder was announced as a member of the 7-member panel in the statement recently released by the Media Advisory of the Award which was aimed at creating a Climate and Nature Positive Future.
The panel is billed to work with Verdantix, an independent research firm that acts as a thought-leader for world-enhancing innovation to evaluate nominations and assess their alignment with the ten Terra Carta articles.
In her reaction to the announcement of her nomination, Saraki said: “I am deeply honoured and excited to join the esteemed 2023 Terra Carta Seal Expert Review Panel. This prestigious initiative, launched by His Majesty King Charles III at COP26, holds the promise of a brighter and more sustainable future for our planet.
“It is heartening to see global leaders from diverse backgrounds come together to recognize and reward companies that are committed to positive change for both our environment and society.
“The Terra Carta Seal Award represents a powerful commitment to addressing climate change and nurturing our natural world. I look forward to working alongside my distinguished fellow panellists and collaborating with Verdantix to evaluate nominations and ensure alignment with Terra Carta’s ten articles. Together, we will help identify and celebrate companies that are making a real difference in the fight against climate change.
“This initiative is a testament to the power of collective action and shared responsibility. I am eager to contribute to this important mission and continue the work of promoting sustainability and wellbeing in Africa and around the world.” she said.
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, Sustainable Markets Initiative CEO, said: “It is an honour to have such a global and diverse group of sustainability experts to be part of the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Awards. Building on our partnership with Verdantix, the Expert Review Panel will further ensure an objective and rigorous evaluation process, rooted in sustainability excellence, for all nominees.”
David Metcalfe, Verdantix CEO, said: “Empowering seven judges representing diverse organisations and countries to make the final decision on Terra Carta Seal recipients, embeds independence, expertise and objectivity at the heart of our awards process.”
Applications for the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award is billed to close on Friday, 29 September.
Other members of the panel include,
Ankit Todi, Lead for Sustainability Strategy and Partnerships, Mahindra Group;Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mastercard; Dr. Hubert Danso, CEO and Chairman, Africa Investor (Ai) Group;Chief Perry Bellegarde, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN);Pok Wei-Heng, Board Member, Multiethnic Leaders NZ and Strategic Council Member, Climate Catalyst and Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal.
Mrs.Saraki has severally served as a judge on the annual MIT Solve competition of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and as a judge of the Cannes Lions Film Festival. Toyin also recently adjudicated as a Grand Global Jury Member of the Fight for Access Accelerator Nigeria, led by Reckitt and Yunus Social Business (YSB).
Launched in 2021 at COP26 by His Majesty King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, the Terra Carta Seal recognises global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future.
Based on agreed sustainability criteria, select companies are invited on an annual basis to apply for the Terra Carta Seal. Once invited, companies will need to demonstrate the success of a high impact, large scale company-wide project, initiative or strategy which aligns with one or more of the ten Terra Carta Articles.
