Countries implementing the next generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) face the challenge of creating investible strategies that drive climate action, enhance resilience, and promote economic growth. Achieving these goals requires strong national commitment and increased multilateral cooperation to close the climate finance gap, which in Africa alone sees only $30 billion of the $300 billion required annually.
Development and funding partners play a pivotal role in accelerating climate action by providing financial support, sharing knowledge, leveraging innovation, and offering technological leadership. UNDP has been instrumental in scaling up solutions that help developing countries transition to greener economies, with Japan contributing approximately $77 million since 2021, supporting 28 countries through renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and nature-based adaptation strategies.
In Viet Nam, UNDP has supported green transport and e-mobility to combat urban heat islands, air pollution, and traffic congestion. By collaborating with car manufacturers and local transport companies, the program has developed technical standards for electric vehicle infrastructure, piloted scalable e-mobility models, and promoted concessional loans to help vulnerable populations access e-bikes and electric motorcycles. Public awareness campaigns and policy integration initiatives have further reinforced sustainable mobility practices.
In Kenya, clean cooking initiatives are reducing reliance on biomass and advancing mitigation targets. UNDP has distributed efficient stoves to 10,000 households, cutting an estimated 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, and transitioning five boarding schools to modern cooking solutions. Training programs for women and youth entrepreneurs have enabled over a third to start clean cooking businesses, while local energy plans have been strengthened by integrating forestry, agriculture, and energy strategies.
In Armenia, UNDP has supported modernization of weather stations to improve early warning systems for climate hazards such as floods and landslides. Upgrades have expanded forecast coverage to 80 percent of the country, enabling the launch of a public weather portal, mobile app, and Natural Hazard Index. These tools empower policy-makers and communities to make evidence-based decisions and better prepare for climate risks.
Engaging the private sector has also been central to climate action. In Ecuador, UNDP partnered with Toyota to develop sustainable transport roadmaps, including hybrid vehicle pilot programs in the Galapagos Islands and other cities. In Sri Lanka, solar-powered pest control technologies support energy-efficient agriculture, while Armenia and Uzbekistan are applying Japanese expertise in dam risk modeling, decarbonization, and carbon markets.
Looking ahead, UNDP aims to deepen partnerships with Japan and other global actors to scale mitigation and adaptation investments, leverage digital infrastructure, and use inclusive AI to accelerate climate goals. Japan’s leadership in technology and private sector innovation remains critical in supporting sustainable transformations globally.
Since 2021, UNDP’s Climate Promise – From Pledge to Impact – has helped translate NDC targets into actionable solutions. Supported by Japan and other international partners, the initiative has assisted over 120 countries in enhancing and implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
