Semaform Foundation has announced plans to launch its Grant Swipe platform and honour 20 climate leaders at its Handshake Summit & Awards in Antalya, Türkiye, during the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
The invitation-only event is scheduled for November 13, from 1pm to 3pm, under the theme, “Climate Finance, AI Investment and Trade.”
According to the foundation, Grant Swipe is designed to help organisations identify grants and investment opportunities, connecting funders with community groups and organisations working on climate-related challenges.
The foundation said the platform aims to address funding gaps that often prevent promising climate projects from moving from ideas to implementation, particularly in communities most vulnerable to climate change.
The summit will feature discussions on food security, artificial intelligence, climate finance, clean energy and the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in green investment decisions.
One of the key sessions, titled “Happy and Hungry,” will examine the contradiction between increased global food production and persistent hunger. The panel will also explore how climate disruption, changing trade patterns and the growing use of artificial intelligence are affecting food systems and public trust.
Moderated by Semaform Foundation’s Chaste Inegbedion, the session will feature Daniel Oladoja, Lead Curator of Solar Stories and Visiting Fellow at the University of Exeter; Dr Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency; and Dr Joy Nnamdi Amaoma of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
Another session, “Ladies in Climate,” will examine how green finance can better reach women and persons with disabilities.
The discussion will be moderated by Lyzianah Emakoua, a United Nations Economic Commission for Africa African Youth Climate Negotiator. Participants will include Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change to the Lagos State Governor, and Nneka Okoye, Executive Director of World Impact Initiative.
The session will consider how inclusive financing can expand access to clean energy solutions, reduce household exposure to smoke, create employment and support women-led businesses.
The foundation will also recognise 20 individuals for their contributions to climate action, policy development, environmental governance and community resilience.
Among those to be honoured are Hon. Dr Kama Nkemkanma, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change and Security; Nnaemeka Oruh, a member of the committee that drafted Nigeria’s Climate Change Act; Dr Babatunde Ajayi; Enebi Opaluwa, who leads the Natural Resource and Climate Governance programme at BudgIT Foundation; and Comrade Yusuf Olatunji Kelani, Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change.
Other honourees include Lyzianah Emakoua, Titilayo Oshodi, Nneka Okoye and Ebaide Queen Omiunu, Founder and Executive Director of The Ebaidebheki Initiative.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Inegbedion said the event was intended to turn recognition into partnerships and measurable climate action.
“Funding is the difference between a climate plan and climate progress. We created the Handshake Summit & Awards so that recognition becomes relationships, and relationships become funded, measurable action,” he said.
Omiunu also emphasised the importance of coordinated international climate advocacy, saying Nigeria’s representatives must advance the country’s interests while supporting wider priorities across the Global South and beyond.
The summit is expected to align with discussions on climate finance, trade, food security and the transition to cleaner energy at COP31.
Semaform Foundation works at the intersection of technology, climate action, philanthropy and community development, with a focus on connecting resources to initiatives capable of delivering measurable impact.
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