Italy backs plan with T$7.5 million

By Joyetter Luamanu 20 November 2017, 12:00AM

A fellowship programme which focuses on strengthening the institutional capacity for the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) and the Least Developed Countries (L.D.C.s) to respond to the challenges arising from climate change was established yesterday. 

This was made possible by the Government of Italy, U.N. Climate Change and was endorsed through a memorandum of understanding at the C.O.P. 23 in Bonn, Germany.  

The new program titled “Capacity Award Programme to Advance Capabilities and Institutional Training in one Year (C.A.P.A.C.I.T.Y.)” will contribute to developing local professional expertise in the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change.

At the M.O.U. signing ceremony, U.N. Climate Change Executive Secretary, Patricia Espinosa expressed her deep appreciation to the government of Italy for supporting the launch. 

“It marks an important step forward in our endeavor to ensure widest possible support to S.I.D.S. and L.D.C. countries to combat climate change and help them build institutional capacity to build resilience to climate impacts.” 

Speaking on behalf of Italy Government, the Minister of the Environment of Land and Sea, Gian Luca Galletti said: “The Italian government firmly believes that enhancing the ability of individuals, organizations and institutions in developing countries to identify, plan and implement ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change is crucial to enabling developing countries to pursue our common objectives for sustainable development in a climate-friendly manner.”

According to the programme of the event, the fellowship programme will provide support of innovative analytical work on climate change in the context of sustainable development. 

It will also assist in promoting a network of experts who can bring creating and innovative options to bear on questions of climate change and encouraging the leadership potential young and promising professionals in the fields. 

“The programme is specifically targeted at mid-career professionals in S.I.D.S. and L.D.C. who are working in a broad range of national, regional, and local governmental organizations, ranging from educational institutions, research institutes and ministries. 

“Italy has agreed to provide a funding of 2,500,000 euros (T$7.5 million) for the fellowship programme, which will initially be launched for a period for five years.

Annually, up to five one year fellowships will be awarded that can be further extended by one year. 

“Selected fellows will have the opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of opportunities available the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. They will be able to work on projects relating to the Paris Agreement, including Nationally Determined Contributions (N.D.C.s), global climate action agenda, finance, legal, regulatory and institutional framework.”

By Joyetter Luamanu 20 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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