In Istanbul, Turkey, on May 20, 2024, countries across Europe and Central Asia are grappling with the urgent challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. To address these issues, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are hosting a gathering of partners and stakeholders in Istanbul, Turkey. Against the backdrop of the upcoming COP29, scheduled to be hosted by Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024, these discussions aim to amplify climate action efforts and mobilize climate finance.
The Istanbul Development Dialogues (IDD) of this year convene a diverse array of participants, including government officials, policymakers, climate and development experts, and development partners. The focus is to deepen understanding and collaboration on key issues pertinent to international climate change negotiations and treaties, particularly under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Through the IDD, the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub and the OECD Istanbul Centre are committed to supporting the region in advancing strategic frameworks related to climate change and scaling up climate and green finance, which are central topics in international climate negotiations.
Fabrizia Lapecorella, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, remarks, “A growing number of nations are actively seeking sustainable solutions to decarbonize their economies and accelerate the green transition to meet national and global climate goals. The IDD brings together key stakeholders to chart a path forward that is both ambitious and achievable.”
With Europe experiencing a warming trend at twice the global average rate and Central Asia witnessing rapid temperature increases and extreme weather events, the dialogues aim to catalyze sustainable solutions and financial strategies for transitioning to low-carbon, climate-resilient economies in the region. The success of these endeavors hinges on ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), accelerated climate action, and inclusive socio-economic transformation.
Steliana Nedera, Director of the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, emphasizes the IDD’s role in fostering collaboration and innovation in the face of the climate crisis. “Ahead of COP29, the IDD is providing a platform for collaboration and innovation in the face of our climate crisis. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we are developing actionable strategies that align with national and global climate goals.”
Established in 2015 with the support of the Government of Turkey, the IDD serves as a collective platform for dialogue and cooperation on sustainable development issues.
Ambassador Esen Altuğ, Director General for International Economic Affairs, underscores the significance of collaboration between the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS and the OECD Istanbul Centre on global sustainable development efforts. She stresses the importance of a comprehensive and well-coordinated response to the convergence of multiple global challenges, emphasizing collaboration across sectors.
IDD2024 advocates for a whole-society approach aligned with climate goals and addressing climate finance needs. Integrated solutions inclusive of youth, women, and vulnerable communities are emphasized. The event focuses on aligning these efforts with the collective climate goals of the Paris Agreement and exploring financial strategies and instruments for the effective implementation of NDCs.
The OECD Istanbul Centre and the UNDP Regional Hub enjoy strong partnership with the Government of Turkey, and the joint event further strengthens this cooperation.
