With MOU (L-R) : Jesse Benjamin (GGGI Officer), DG Esline Garaebiti, and Ms Virginie Bleitrach (AFD Regional Director)
09 August 2022 – Port Vila – Vanuatu’s Ministry of Climate Change (MCCA), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) today recognized a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Vanuatu achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in a resilient, sustainable and equitable way.
MCCA’s Director-General (DG) Esline Garaebiti, AFD Regional Director Virginie Bleitrach and GGGI Senior Officer, Jesse Benjamin came together to recognize the MoU. “The partnership that has been signed between AFD, GGGI and the Government of Vanuatu through the Ministry of Climate Change allows us to integrate climate change adaptation as part of the LT-LEDS work. We hope this partnership is the start of more good things to come.” DG Esline underscored in her opening remarks.
DG Esline Garaebiti delivering her remarks on the MOU signing
In responding to DG Esline’s remarks, both AFD and GGGI affirmed their support to the Vanuatu Government on climate change and sustainable development projects and programmes. That MoU ceremony was held on the sidelines of a workshop being held to design the Vanuatu Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). Over 35 representatives across government, private sector, community sector and international development partners gathered at the Melanesian Hotel to provide inputs on the LEDS, which aims to guide long term action within Vanuatu and support global action on climate change. The long-term strategy includes the whole economy, and includes emissions reduction and climate change adaptation.
Participants at the workshop discussed opportunities for renewable energy generation, electrification of transport and skills needed to help support new technology and systems. Making agriculture and cropping more resilient to severe weather and climate stresses were identified, as well as integrated systems and ‘no regrets’ development of livestock industry.
LEDS Workshop Participants
AFD and GGGI recently signed a Financing Agreement that will support the inclusion of adaptation components in the LT-LEDS thanks to the 2050 Facility. The LT-LEDS is also funded by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Low Emissions Climate Resilient Development Program.
About the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. Vanuatu became a member of GGGI in 2014. GGGI Vanuatu Office can be contacted on +678 35493 or email: jesse.benjamin@gggi.org
About Agence française de développement
AFD Group implements France’s policy in the areas of development and international solidarity. The Group includes Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which finances the public sector and NGOs, as well as research and education in sustainable development; its subsidiary Proparco, which is dedicated to private sector financing; and Expertise France, a technical cooperation agency. The Group finances, supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. AFD Contract: fayep@afd.fr