Lesson learning by GGGI and member countries is an integral activity for capacity building for green growth. Through sharing knowledge we increase our capacity to achieve results and our ambitions for green growth.
This report draws on the experience of participants in the development of the Vanuatu Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (Vanuatu LEDS) to share knowledge of long-term low emissions planning. Through 2021 and 2022, the Government of Vanuatu, with support from GGGI, developed the Vanuatu LEDS. Financial support was provided by the Government of New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The purpose of the Vanuatu LEDS is to guide climate-resilient development to 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change.
From the advice received, GGGI staff synthesized the experience into key messages for those planning to undertake similar projects on long-term low-emissions development planning. The key messages are:
- Time for dialogue between different departments and sectors is important when framing the shared pursuit of a bigger-picture goal.
- Unexpected roadblocks arise in projects with long duration but can be mitigated through planning and team support.
- Outputs should be consistently communicated to stakeholders to avoid the perception of ‘missing out’ or unrewarded contributions.
- Data should be shared to give wider benefits for investment mobilization, complementary policy, and studies.
- Long-term strategies achieve near-term impacts, such as demonstrating a political and national commitment to global cooperation.
- Long-term planning assists efforts to measure sustainable development.
- Capacity building of government staff is a valued and recognized outcome of long-term planning exercises.
- Collaboration and relationship building within government is a valued additional benefit of long-term planning.