The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Climate Technology Centre (CTCN) and DNV GL have announced a new strategic partnership that aims to accelerate global development, transfer and deployment of climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies to developing countries. The Norwegian Government will support the CTCN with NOK60m in the period 2013-15.
The partnership announcement comes during a meeting between UNEP executive director Achim Steiner and the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende, together with the CTCN director Jukka Uosukainen and DNV GL CSO Bjørn K. Haugland.
Mr Steiner said: "Replacing current technologies with cleaner, low-carbon alternatives is a vital part of tackling the causes and effects of climate change. The strategic partnership between CTCN and DNV GL will play a vital role in accelerating the use of new technologies in improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in developing countries who are dealing with the impacts of climate change on a daily basis."
Through the partnership, DNV GL will support CTCN operations by using its extensive experience in technology transfer, knowledge management and capacity building. DNV GL will also facilitate the engagement of the private sector in CTCN in order to stimulate technology cooperation among developed and developing countries. CTCN will create a space for exchange and technical collaboration with developing countries on thematic areas, such as agriculture, energy, forestry, industry and water.
DNV GL president and CEO Henrik O. Madsen said: "We are pleased to support CTCN through our technical capabilities and global networks. We support its vision to lead the world towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. Indeed, we have decided to invest our time and resources in this initiative as it is closely linked to our own vision of creating a safe and sustainable future through safer, greener and smarter growth. We will focus our efforts on the CTCN’s call for a confluence of technology, knowledge management and stakeholder involvement skills. We believe a close collaboration with the private sector will be essential for the success of the technology mechanism."
Since its launch in late 2013, 93 countries have established national CTCN focal points (known as National Designated Entities) that collaborate with country stakeholders to develop and relay requests to CTCN’s vast network of regional and sectoral experts from academia, the private sector and public and research institutions. Representatives from 74 countries have been trained by CTCN through regional trainings across Africa, Asia and Latin America.