Source: SPREP
6 December 2023, UAE – The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) penned a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), solidifying their long-term commitment to cooperation and collaboration for the achievement of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement within the Pacific region.
The first MoU between GGGI and SPREP was signed in 2018 and since then the two organisations have been working together in the Pacific Regional NDC Hub and the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) to deliver climate change policies and strategies and mobilise funding for implementation in the Pacific Island Countries.
“As world leaders gather in Dubai for COP 28, the renewed solidarity underscores the joint dedication of SPREP and GGGI to assist Pacific Island nations in navigating the challenges posed by climate change,” Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of GGGI Said.
“The focus of the MOU is specifically tailored to enhance support for green climate finance initiatives, recognising the pivotal role of financial backing in fostering sustainable and resilient development across the Pacific region,” Dr. Rijsberman added.
“Pacific Island Leaders at COP 28 continue their call for commitment to achieving “1.5 to Stay Alive,” taking the opportunity offered through the Global Stocktake to recalibrate pathways to achieve global targets. We similarly take the opportunity to review and renew our MOU and re-commit to work together on climate change especially access to finance but also integrate initiatives in waste management and the conservation of nature so we are fully addressing the global triple environmental crises of climate change, waste management and biodiversity loss,” said Mr Sefanaia Nawadra Director General of SPREP.
This strategic partnership between SPREP and GGGI signifies a united front in addressing environmental concerns and propelling the Pacific Island nations toward a greener, more climate-resilient future. The signing ceremony took place at the Moana Pacific Pavilion at COP28, symbolising a pivotal step forward in the shared pursuit of a sustainable and resilient Pacific.
SPREP has worked extensively across the Pacific islands region for 30 years, supporting member countries to achieve a sustainable environment and a resilient Pacific. GGGI established its offices in the Pacific in 2015 and supports its 14 member and partner countries in the Pacific to implement green, inclusive, and resilient economic development.
Under the MoU, SPREP and GGGI will focus on enhancing green public and private investment flows to convert green growth strategies and investment plans into practical action, while strengthening environmental and social safeguards; strengthening environmental and green growth planning at the national, sub-national, and local levels including for renewable energy, circular economy and waste management, waster security and climate smart landscapes and ocean scapes; developing innovative financing mechanisms to support implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans and building capacity for environmental and green growth policy development and implementation.
The renewed partnership between SPREP and GGGI is expected to play a significant role in advancing environmental stewardship and sustainable growth in the Pacific, ensuring a brighter future for the region’s communities and ecosystems.
Source: SPREP
