National Actions

Africa: Digital Money and Solar Power

Kenya’s M-Pesa mobile money service is more than just a financial tool. It’s like a super-powered Venmo that helps over 30 million people in 10 countries. Started by Safaricom and Vodafone in 2007, M-Pesa lets you do transactions, save money, and get small loans. It’s a game-changer for communities in rural areas who couldn’t access banks before. Because of M-Pesa, financial inclusion is on the rise, making Kenya a fintech boss. It’s even inspired similar tech innovations around the world, showing how fintech can spark economic growth.

Meanwhile, the Sahel region, known for its vast amounts of sunlight, is turning all that sunlight into serious power with the Desert to Power project. They want to generate 10 GW of solar energy, giving clean electricity to 250 million people by 2030. By boosting energy independence and promoting economic growth through renewable resources, Desert to Power is setting a precedent for sustainable development in some of the world's most challenging environments. This is huge for countries like Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. Solar power = energy independence and economic growth. Boom!

Asia: Urban Help and Food Security

India’s has this game changing scheme in Rajasthan called the Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (RUEGS). It promises 100 days of paid work yearly to urban households. Not only does it put money in people’s pockets, but it also gets folks involved in projects that make cities better and greener. It provides immediate financial relief and engages citizens in public works projects that improve city infrastructure and environmental management.  Not only does it put money in people’s pockets, but it also gets folks involved in projects that make cities better and greener.  A win-win for urban development!

And then there’s Singapore with its 30 by 30 plan. They’re aiming to produce 30% of their food locally by 2030. Using new tech like vertical farming and aquaculture, they’re cutting down on food imports and boosting their resilience against global supply chain problems. It’s all part of their bigger Green Plan 2030 to build a sustainable, resource-smart society.

Europe: Smart and Green Cities

The EU is on a mission to make 100 cities climate-neutral and smart by 2030. It’s a team effort involving local and national authorities, investors, and citizens. Cities like Cluj-Napoca and Stockholm got the EU Mission Label for their awesome climate strategies. They’re setting the bar high for all European cities to be climate-neutral by 2050. Go green or go home!

Latin America and the Caribbean: Fighting Deforestation and Going Green

Brazil’s working hard to stop deforestation in the Amazon. They’ve teamed up with local governments to launch a program aiming for zero illegal deforestation by 2030. Launched recently in Brasilia, the initiative involves a historic partnership between the federal government and Amazon municipalities. A total of 740 million reais, primarily funded by the Amazon Fund, will support environmental and land regularization, fire prevention, and sustainable productive activities. This initiative is critical for engaging local populations and achieving real impacts on the ground, emphasizing the importance of local governance in large-scale environmental strategies.  It’s all about local involvement to make a real impact.

SIDS: Climate Action and Energy Goals

Fiji’s not messing around when it comes to tackling climate change. They’ve got a Climate Relocation and Displaced Peoples Trust Fund to relocate communities affected by sea-level rise while keeping their culture intact. This shows how important it is to have humane and comprehensive climate policies. Fiji's leadership in addressing climate-induced displacement highlights the importance of comprehensive climate policies that address people’s more urgent current and future needs.

Vanuatu’s making waves by asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an advisory opinion on the rights of future generations concerning climate change.  This bold move aims to establish a global legal framework that ensures environmental protection and sustainable development are integral to international law. By championing this initiative, Vanuatu wants to set a global legal standard for environmental protection, pushing nations to step up their climate game.

Middle East: Water Strategy and Solar Energy

The UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036 is pretty visionary. They’re using high-tech and international teamwork to make sure they have water even in tough times. Think desalination and wastewater recycling – all super important for a country that needs sustainable water sources. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering international cooperation, the UAE is setting new standards in water management for arid regions.

Jordan’s all in on solar energy. They’re expanding their solar farms to cut down on fossil fuel imports and promote clean energy. This move is good for the environment, the economy, and job creation. Renewable energy for the win!