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Africa Adaptation Programme presents at UNFCCC side event and high-level meeting in Bonn with Japanese delegation
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On Monday June 7th, AAP participated in an open side event which was organized by the Japanese delegation. Mr. Masaki Noke, Deputy Director General of International Cooperation at the Japan MOFA, presentated the on-going Japan programmes in developing countries, with emphasis on programmes in the areas of energy and climate change adaptation.
“Climate change is one of the global issues that threaten human security and need support from the international community. It is closely related to the achievement of the MDGs. That is why the international community needs unite together to tackle climate change, and the Government of Japan supports such efforts,” said Mr. Noke.
In addition to the side event, a closed high-level meeting was organized by the Government of Japan delegation. The future of low-carbon growth and sustainable development in Africa was discussed in the context of fulfilling the goals of Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD). It was attended by high-level representations of three African countries (Ethiopia, Republic of Congo and Senegal), as well as the World Bank and UNDP. The Government of Japan presented their plans for supporting the African continent within the framework of a Low-Carbon Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy. They presented examples of possible programmes, including the three “Ls” programme: (i) Lighting Africa (lighting areas not yet electrified in Africa), (ii) Linking Africa (Strengthen Links between Cities and Peripheral Areas) and (iii) Lifting Africa (Cultivate Supporting Industries around the Resource Industries).
UNDP was represented at both the side event and high-level meeting. At the side event, Mr. David Payton, representing UNDP, was invited to make a presentation on the Africa Adaptation Programme, the Japan funded adaptation programme showcased in this side event. He stressed the importance of such a programme in aspects related to coordination and evidence based decision-making as well as the comparative advantages of UNDP as an implementing agency, committed to supporting vulnerable countries.
“UNDP has a strong record of tackling climate change adaptation. UNDP understands the vital role of adaptation in sustainable development and is recognized as a world leader in the promotion of the Millenium Development Goals,” said Mr. Payton.
Mr. Payton also presented on behalf of UNDP at the closed high-level meeitng and reiterated the commitment of UNDP to work closely with Japan in implementation of on-going and future programmes related to climate change.
“Tackling adaptation in Africa requires increased coordination and synergistic efforts. Strong collaboration between development agencies, national governments, donors and all stakeholders will lead to the most effective outcomes” said Mr. Payton.
AAP is a flagship programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), established in 2008 in partnership with UNIDO, UNICEF and WFP, and funded by a $92.1 million grant from the Government of Japan. The programme assists the governments of 20 African countries to promote integrated and comprehensive approaches to climate change adaptation. For more information on the Africa Adaptation Programme, please visit www.undp-adaptation.org/africaprogramme.
