Danish Government commits US$730,000 to support climate diplomacy in Latin America

Bogotá, July 16 2024 - Denmark has provided a 5 million Danish Kroner (US$730,000) contribution to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the Independent Association of Latin America and the Caribbean (AILAC), consisting of 7 Latin American countries. The contribution is set to bolster AILAC's capabilities in shaping and advancing climate policies in both regional and global platforms. The overall aim is to further achieve effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

In order to achieve its goals, the central elements of the contribution will support AILAC’s climate diplomacy by supporting advisory services and providing logistical and substantive assistance, and strengthening climate policies, including through facilitating an increased participation and capacity-building initiatives.

The contribution is administered by the Danish Embassy in Colombia. The Danish Ambassador, H. E. Erik Høeg, highlighted its importance: “Denmark is proud to partner with AILAC in advancing our shared commitment to combating climate change. By empowering AILAC's climate diplomacy, we aim to catalyse transformative action towards a sustainable and resilient future for all.”

The AILAC group consists of Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Peru, countries with shared interests and positions on climate diplomacy. Established formally in 2012 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), AILAC has consistently endeavoured to foster ambitious and progressive outcomes in the negotiations.

The Danish contribution, administered by UNDP's Progressive Platforms Project under the Climate Promise flagship initiative, aims to facilitate AILAC's active participation in key international climate meetings and to strengthen its capacities as a formal group to the UNFCCC.

“Through the Progressive Platforms initiative, UNDP is committed to increasing and sustaining countries’ participation in climate negotiations, including ensuring the inclusion of young women, Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable groups,” remarked Jennifer Baumwoll, Director of Climate Strategies and Policy, UNDP. “With this generous contribution from Denmark, and in partnership with AILAC, we are supporting nations in Latin America, leveraging our extensive climate portfolio. We reaffirm our commitment and call for continued support to ensure that these critical actors are empowered and can continue to raise their climate ambition.”

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 the Embassy of Denmark in Colombia

The Danish Embassy in Colombia, reopened in 2014, actively serves as a bridge builder across five Latin American countries. Our mission extends beyond raising awareness of Danish solutions and values; we also prioritize sharing and exchanging knowledge and experiences to advance the green agenda. Find more information on colombia.um.dk or follow us at @denmarkincolombia.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Daniela Peris: daniela.peris@undp.org