The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to support Small Island Development States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) achieve climate resilience and green growth, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement.
The two sides will collaborate on country projects, knowledge-sharing and advocacy activities, and will seek to strengthen the link between humanitarian assistance and climate action support to developing countries.
The signing ceremony was held virtually in the presence of HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, and president and Chair of GGGI Assembly and Council and former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.
The MoU was signed by QFFD director-general Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari and GGGI director-general Dr Frank Rijsberman.
Congratulating GGGI and QFFD on signing the MoU, HE al-Subaie underlined Qatar’s keenness on implementing projects and initiatives aimed at maintaining environmental balance, in light of the country’s unprecedented growth at all levels.
The minister noted that environmental development is a key pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030, adding that this co-operation will contribute to achieving international goals.
The former UN chief said that the agreement and contribution demonstrate the strong commitment of Qatar, a founding member of GGGI, to support sustainable development in the SIDSs and LDCs that are currently tackling the double challenge of climate change and Covid-19.
Ban praised the efforts of the Qatari leadership and its support, stressing that these efforts are particularly commendable at a time when these countries are looking for urgent support and resources to build back their economies and enhance preparedness from further impacts of climate change.
QFFD director-general al-Kuwari underlined Qatar’s commitment to help SIDS and LDCs tackle climate change and pursue sustainable development.
To realise this, al-Kuwari said, QFFD will continue to play an active role by working closely with the international community and partners like GGGI.
He said the co-operation with GGGI will play an important role in realising Qatar’s support towards sustainable development and Covid-19 recovery in developing countries.
Rijsberman thanked Qatar and QFFD for their strong and continued support to GGGI’s mandate and stressed the keenness on strengthening the partnership with QFFD on projects that will create green jobs, climate resilience and food security, that will deliver long-term prosperity for citizens in SIDS and LDCs.
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