Photo: COP29 Azerbaijan
Baku, 13 November 2024 — Today at COP29, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced two initiatives under Italy’s G7 Presidency aimed at addressing critical challenges in energy access and climate adaptation. The Energy for Growth in Africa and the Adaptation Accelerator Hub will be implemented by UNDP Rome Centre, marking a significant collaboration between the Italian government and UNDP in advancing sustainable development solutions for vulnerable regions, particularly in Africa.
As the chosen partner for these flagship initiatives, UNDP has been entrusted to drive action that aligns with the G7’s commitment to global resilience and sustainable growth. The Italian Presidency’s prioritization of these initiatives is a testament to the G7's confidence in UNDP’s extensive expertise and capacity to mobilize impactful solutions in climate resilience and sustainable energy access.
Energy for Growth in Africa aims to tackle the urgent need for energy access across the African continent. Through a strategic mobilization of large-scale investments for clean energy, this initiative will leverage risk mitigation mechanisms and create a pipeline of bankable projects to attract international investment. UNDP will collaborate with regional stakeholders to bridge the energy access gap and foster a more sustainable and resilient energy sector in Africa.
The Adaptation Accelerator Hub will play a key role in supporting developing nations, particularly those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, by providing technical assistance, forging essential partnerships, and securing finance to enable robust adaptation strategies. The Hub will be a critical resource for countries facing climate-induced challenges, equipping them to enhance their resilience against climate impacts and drive forward on adaptation commitments.
Prime Minister Meloni’s announcement underscores the Italian G7 Presidency's commitment to concrete global development and climate action, working in close collaboration with the UNDP Rome Centre to support sustainable growth and resilience.
These new initiatives position UNDP at the forefront of international efforts to achieve sustainable energy access and climate adaptation. UNDP Rome Centre, as a hub for innovation and impactful partnerships, is honored to play a key role in this milestone development. This collaboration exemplifies how UNDP and the Italian G7 Presidency are advancing a shared mission to build resilience and catalyze sustainable development across vulnerable regions, turning high-level commitments into actionable results.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
About UNDP Rome Centre
UNDP Rome Centre acts as the principal, integrated global platform for the strategic partnership between the Government of Italy and UNDP for delivering on three main programmes: the Youth4Climate initiative (empowering young leaders in driving climate action and innovation), the Energy for Growth initiative (advancing clean energy transitions in Africa), and the Platform for Investment and Technical Assistance (PISTA, aimed at supporting climate efforts by providing technical and financial assistance to developing economies globally, with a large portion of resources directed to Africa).
It focuses on the critical policy areas of climate action, youth engagement, energy transition and climate finance.
Learn more at undp.org/romecentre or follow on LinkedIn at @UNDP Rome Centre.
