Japan has made a new contribution of $691,000 in climate funding to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo to support the implementation of Kosovo’s climate plans.

In Kosovo, the project aims to provide an urgent, integrated solutions to recover from the COVID-19 crisis by creating the conditions for a people-centred approach, focusing on those in most vulnerable situations in moving towards climate-resilient and just transition.

The project will support green recovery through evidence-based policies and operationalization of the recently re-established Climate Change Council. Green transition will be accelerated through working with local businesses with high potential for economic growth and job creation. The project will also mobilize local communities - particularly youth and women - by empowering them and giving them the tools that will allow them to become active agents of change.

At the launch of the project, Mr. Liburn Aliu, Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure said, “Although not being a party to the Paris Agreement or the UNFCCC, Kosovo is committed to the climate agenda. As part of this project, we launch today, we will be setting voluntary NDCs with support from UNDP to highlight Kosovo’s commitment. We are also already working on building institutional capacities to take climate action and operationalize the Climate Change Council.”

"We are truly grateful for the generous funding by the Government of Japan – which allows us to work together in support of Kosovo’s strong commitment in moving towards a future that is greener, climate-resilient and more just. I am convinced that through broad partnerships, this collaboration will contribute to accelerating Kosovo’s green transition - in line with global climate ambitions.” said Ms. Maria Suokko, the Resident Representative of UNDP Kosovo.

H. E. Keisuke Yamanaka, Chargé d’Affaires a.i of Japan in Kosovo said, “Japan has been closely cooperating with the Kosovo institutions as well as International Agencies for the development of Kosovo. The project aims to support the institutions with the technical expertise in the creation and adherence to voluntary NDCs as well as in the drafting and updating laws about the environment and climate.  It takes a holistic approach by working not only with the government but also with the private sector as well as broader society, especially after the difficult times of the pandemic.  We sincerely expect many ambitious and talented people, especially from young generations and women to participate. The Japanese partnership with the UNDP is very important and has been thriving over the years. We are working closely together, and we are ready to support upcoming projects to ensure the sustainable development of Kosovo.”

UNDP’s Climate Promise is the largest global climate and development offer of support to pledges to the Paris Agreement. In Kosovo, the initiative has previously been supporting the revision and updating of targets, policies, and measures by assessing costs and investment opportunities. It has also been strengthening transparency and monitoring for a low-carbon development.

For more information, please contact:

Burbuqe Dobranja, UNDP Communications Associate

Phone: (038) 249 066 ext. 410;   mobile: 049 720 800      e-mail: burbuqe.dobranja@undp.org

Danijela Mitić, UNDP Communication Associate

Phone: (038) 249 066 ext. 412;    mobile: 049 720 824     e-mail: danijela.mitic@undp.org                                                                  

More information can be found on the Climate Promise website, climatepromise.undp.org.

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