Ambassador Professor Joseph Legend Mfon

Ambassador Professor Joseph Legend Mfon is a distinguished environmental statesman, internationally recognised climate change expert, accomplished geologist, diplomat and sustainability strategist. His twenty-five years of professional experience span environmental management, natural resource governance, energy sustainability and climate policy.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Calabar, two Master of Science degrees in Environmental Management and Environmental Geology from the University of Calabar and the University of Benin respectively, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental and Analytical Techniques from the University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is a Professor of Environmental Management and a Certified Management Specialist.

As United Nations SDGs Network Country Director for Nigeria on Climate Change, he champions environmental sustainability, climate resilience and the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As Minister of Environment and Secretary of Diplomacy to the State of Birland, he provides leadership on environmental diplomacy, international cooperation and sustainable development.

Recognised globally for his expertise in environmental governance and pollution control, he has advanced environmental compliance, climate change mitigation, environmental impact assessment, ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource management. His contributions to environmental policy within the oil and gas sector have supported regulatory reform, environmental protection and climate change abatement across multiple jurisdictions.

He is a sought-after international speaker who has addressed global conferences and high-level forums on climate change, environmental sustainability, peacebuilding and sustainable development. He served as keynote speaker at the World Peace Summits of 2022 and 2023, at the International Conference on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and at Nigeria's World Environment Day celebrations.

He sits on the boards of companies, environmental institutions and development organisations, where he advises on sustainability, governance, climate policy, environmental risk management and corporate responsibility. Through his leadership, scholarship and public service he continues to press governments, institutions and communities toward environmental sustainability, climate resilience, responsible resource management and peacebuilding.