The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has received a new contribution of USD 1.87 million in climate funding from the Government of Japan to support concrete implementation of the climate plans, such as Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Japan’s contribution to UNDP’s ambitious Climate Promise initiative will assist BiH to respond to the urgent need of reducing its high fossil fuel dependencythrough a just transition mechanism, with focus on leaving no one behind, fair and gender-responsive measures.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the project will work to set up the basis for a just transition towards low-carbon economy by creating the Blueprint for BiH’s “Just Transition for all” and Just Transition strategies for three carbon-intensive industries (power, steel and cement), accompanied by capacity-building activities for stakeholders, vulnerable groups and industry. The project will also provide financing towards decarbonization of at least 20 SMEs.
In the revised NDCs Bosnia and Herzegovina committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions for 33.2% by 2030, and almost 66% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, with energy sector and carbon-intensive industries at the heart of the transition towards low-carbon economy. BiH is also a signatory to the Sofia Declaration, thus committing itself to work towards the 2050 target of carbon-neutrality.
“To be able to make concrete progress towards the NDCs and the Sofia declaration, Bosnia and Herzegovina must work on the decarbonization of the economy without further delay. This transformation of the economy to a low-carbon one has to embrace the needs of the most vulnerable, be inclusive and be just. This approach reflects UNDP’s strong commitment to fighting inequality and poverty while at the same time advancing climate action”, said Steliana Nedera, Resident Representative of UNDP in BiH.
H. E. Ito Makoto, Ambassador of Japan in BiH said,“As we move toward a more carbon-neutral global economy, and greenhouse gas emissions are continually reduced in all aspects of society, we need to be aware of its implications on economy and citizens. Societies all over the world are on the front line of this transition and require support to overcome the challenges and impacts that this transition may have on them. Government of Japan is committed to providing support to countries as Bosnia and Herzegovina in the implementation of their national climate pledge through financial support, technology transfer and sharing of vast and rich experience of Japan’s fair transition and human security.”
UNDP’s Climate Promise is the largest global climate and development offer of support to countries on the realization of their national pledges to the Paris Agreement, ensuring clean and just energy transitions towards net-zero pathways and climate impact resilient future.
During COP26 last year, UNDP launched the next phase of the Climate Promise – From Pledge to Impact – scaling up its support to turn NDC targets into concrete action in at least 100 countries. Japan becomes the largest supporter of this phase of the pioneering and groundbreaking initiative and joins the longstanding funding partners Germany, EU, Sweden, Spain, Italy, as well as the new funding partners UK, Belgium, Iceland, and Portugal to accelerate these efforts.
