Image Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 

Belgium is reinforcing its leadership in the global fight against climate change with a significant new financial pledge to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In June 2024, the Belgian government committed 3 million euros (approximately US$3.31 million) to UNEP’s thematic fund aimed at combating the climate crisis. This donation is part of a longstanding partnership that has seen Belgium support UNEP’s vital environmental work for over 50 years.

A Legacy of Support for Environmental Initiatives

Belgium's commitment to global environmental action dates back to the early 1970s. The country played a pivotal role at the inaugural United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972, advocating for the establishment of UNEP and its foundational financial structure, the Environment Fund. Over the decades, Belgium has consistently backed UNEP, contributing significantly to both the Environment Fund and the thematic climate fund launched in 2022.

With this latest contribution, Belgium's total support for UNEP’s climate initiatives has reached 9 million euros (approximately US$9.66 million) in just three years. These funds aim to accelerate progress toward global climate goals, including enhanced transparency in climate reporting under the Paris Agreement, the promotion of adaptation strategies, and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while catalyzing increased climate finance. Inger Andersen, UNEP’s Executive Director, commended Belgium's commitment, stating, “Belgium’s understanding of this urgency has been a driving force in UNEP’s climate work for decades.”

Innovative Projects Driving Change Across the Globe

Belgium’s efforts to combat climate change extend beyond financial contributions. The nation actively reduces poverty and ensures a just transition in climate-vulnerable regions, particularly in Africa. A notable initiative is the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM), which collaborates with African governments to create pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly infrastructure, contributing significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and urban pollution.

Additionally, Belgium has launched projects like the Restoration Factory in Kenya, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with mentors to foster businesses focused on ecosystem restoration. This program has expanded to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania, exemplifying Belgium’s commitment to innovative solutions for pressing environmental challenges. Shiro Ndirangu, an entrepreneur from Kenya, shared how the program empowered her business, saying, “Now, I feel empowered to share our story, thanks to the mentorship I received.”