UNDP North Macedonia / Tomislav Georgiev
New York, March 21, 2024 – In an ambitious move to accelerate global climate action, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Climate Focus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 18th to enhance climate policies and interventions across sectors. This innovative partnership underscores a shared commitment to supporting countries in meeting the ambitious objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Under the MoU, UNDP and Climate Focus will join forces to develop knowledge products, offer up-to-date information, and provide technical support on climate policies and finance. The partnership will facilitate informed dialogue and advocacy related to the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are crucial for achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.
The partnership includes accelerating NDC implementation, policy advocacy for climate change mitigation, strategic access to carbon finance, and independent assessments of progress towards global forest goals, among others. The results of the cooperation will enable countries to make informed decisions and actions regarding high-integrity carbon markets and access carbon finance for their NDC implementation.
This collaboration comes as the world grapples with unprecedented and critical climate challenges. UNDP, with its extensive operational footprint in numerous countries, aims to promote sustainable development, poverty eradication, and the advancement of good governance through this partnership. Climate Focus’s rich expertise in international and national climate law, policy development, and climate finance complements UNDP's efforts to drive meaningful climate action.
"Through this partnership, we aim to harness the synergies between UNDP's global reach and Climate Focus's technical expertise to drive forward our collective climate ambitions," said Sanggeet Mithra Manirajah, Climate Focus Senior Consultant. "This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of a sustainable future for all, underpinned by robust climate policies and actions."
"Partnering with Climate Focus enables us to enhance our support for countries as they strive to refine their climate strategies and mobilize finance for impactful actions. This MoU marks a crucial step in bolstering the collective work on climate change and reflects our unwavering dedication to facilitating high-integrity carbon markets. It's more than a partnership; it's a strategic alliance for climate prosperity," said Leticia Guimaraes, Global Lead for Carbon Markets at UNDP.
Laying down a comprehensive framework for international cooperation, the partnership will spur development of strong country-level agreements, as well as regional and global initiatives aimed at combating the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development.
About UNDP:
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life.
About Climate Focus:
Climate Focus is a pioneering international advisory company committed to the development of policies and projects that mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Their international and multidisciplinary team works with governments, non-profits, and businesses to devise and implement strategies to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
