6 December 2023, UAE – The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) penned a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), solidifying their long-term commitment to cooperation and collaboration for the achievement of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement within the Pacific region.
The first MoU between GGGI and SPREP was signed in 2018 and since then the two organisations have been working together in the Pacific Regional NDC Hub and the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) to deliver climate change policies and strategies and mobilise funding for implementation in the Pacific Island Countries.
“As world leaders gather in Dubai for COP 28, the renewed solidarity underscores the joint dedication of SPREP and GGGI to assist Pacific Island nations in navigating the challenges posed by climate change,” Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of GGGI Said. “The focus of the MOU is specifically tailored to enhance support for green climate finance initiatives, recognizing the pivotal role of financial backing in fostering sustainable and resilient development across the Pacific region,” Dr. Rijsberman added.
“Pacific Island Leaders at COP 28 continue their call for commitment to achieving “1.5 to Stay Alive,” taking the opportunity offered through the Global Stocktake to recalibrate pathways to achieve global targets. We similarly take the opportunity to review and renew our MOU and re-commit to work together on climate change especially access to finance but also integrate initiatives in waste management and the conservation of nature so we are fully addressing the global triple environmental crises of climate change, waste management and biodiversity loss,” said Mr Sefanaia Nawadra Director General of SPREP.
This strategic partnership between SPREP and GGGI signifies a united front in addressing environmental concerns and propelling the Pacific Island nations toward a greener, more climate-resilient future. The signing ceremony took place at the Moana Pacific Pavilion at COP28, symbolising a pivotal step forward in the shared pursuit of a sustainable and resilient Pacific.
SPREP has worked extensively across the Pacific islands region for 30 years, supporting member countries to achieve a sustainable environment and a resilient Pacific. GGGI established its offices in the Pacific in 2015 and supports its 14 member and partner countries in the Pacific to implement green, inclusive, and resilient economic development.
Under the MoU, SPREP and GGGI will focus on enhancing green public and private investment flows to convert green growth strategies and investment plans into practical action, while strengthening environmental and social safeguards; strengthening environmental and green growth planning at the national, sub-national, and local levels including for renewable energy, circular economy and waste management, waster security and climate smart landscapes and ocean scapes; developing innovative financing mechanisms to support implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans and building capacity for environmental and green growth policy development and implementation.
The renewed partnership between SPREP and GGGI is expected to play a significant role in advancing environmental stewardship and sustainable growth in the Pacific, ensuring a brighter future for the region’s communities and ecosystems.
Background info
About the GGGI
With 48 Member States, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization that supports developing country governments’ transition to a model of economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. GGGI delivers programs in over 40 partner countries with technical support, capacity building, policy planning & implementation, and by helping to build a pipeline of bankable green investment projects.
More on GGGI’s events, projects and publications can be found on www.gggi.org. You can also follow GGGI on Twitter and join us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About SPREP
SPREP is the premier intergovernmental regional organisation established by the Governments and Administrations of the Pacific charged with protecting and managing the environment and natural resources of the Pacific.
The Headquarters is based in Apia, Samoa with other SPREP offices in Fiji, the Republic of the Marshalls Islands and Vanuatu. SPREP has around 150 staff recruited from around the Pacific region and the world and has an annual budget of approximately USD35 million in 2022.
The establishment of SPREP in 1993 sends a clear signal to the global community of the deep commitment of Pacific Island Governments and Administrations for better management of the environment within the context of sustainable development.
The strategic direction for SPREP is clearly set out in the 2017-2026 SPREP Strategic Plan. The Plan outlines the mandate, vision and programs for the organisation, and places a strong emphasis on effective delivery of services to SPREP Member countries and territories. Visit the SPREP website: https://www.sprep.org/
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